6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Th 3:6–10). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Who are you imitating? Who are you spending time with in your life? Are you spending time with people who love Jesus and are committed to sharing the good news of love and peace? Or are you spending time with “brothers who are walking in idleness”? I believe Paul encourages us to stay away from these brothers or sisters because they are not spending time reading the Bible and knowing the long established doctrines of the church. Instead they are watching TV or staring at social media that is telling them about the values of the world rather than the values of God and how to live a life that displays the love of Christ. Learning to live as one in the world and not as one of the world is a challenge but Jesus showed us a better way to live and to model to others. Be an imitator of Christ and a model to others. Walk worthy of a life of a higher calling that shows Christ in all that you do. In living this life you will have the opportunity to lead others to know Christ.

Pastor Aaron Kruse