Idleness

I was reading this morning from 2 Thessalonians 3:6-14. Some key points from this Scripture:

1) We are instructed to keep away from every brother who is idle, and does not live an obedient life according to God's word (my paraphrase of verse 6).
2) Being idle is the same as being "busy-bodies" in God's eyes (verse 11)
3) Never tire of doing what is right.

Life application for me:

1) I need to be careful who I hang out with. If I want to be an authentic Christian, then I need to attach myself to people who want, or more importantly, are the same. Obedience is the key to success - the success being finding God's will for my life.

2) Am I really doing something to help the Kingdom, or am I 'playing Christianity'? Being busy vs. busy-bodies? Obedience vs. superficial obedience? In a 24 hour day, how much of my time is authentic in my relationship with God? Am I doing what He wants me to do? Am I a good and faithful servant? (Tough questions.....with embarrassing answers.)

3) Being obedient will bring rewards and joy that will make 'doing what is right' a privilege and not a chore.

Dear God, please forgive me for my "business" and not 'being busy'. Thank you for this scripture and the opportunity to live up to it. Amen.