2 Thessalonians 3

June Memory Verse: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Read: 2 Thessalonians 3

“If you don’t invest very much, then defeat doesn’t hurt, and winning isn’t as exciting.” Growing up and being in sports my whole life I heard many quotes, but this one always stuck with me. It stuck with me because the foundation of the quote is so true in many aspects of life. If you don’t truly invest in something then you really don’t care if it succeeds or fails. But if you really invest, I mean you give your whole heart to it, then when it comes and it’s on the line, you would do anything to make sure it succeeds. And when it does succeed, it is so much more gratifying because you gave your whole heart to it.

Why does this matter?
I really feel this is what Paul is trying to tell us in this passage. Too many times we walk the Christian life as “fence riders.” I, myself, was one of those for the longest time. I only invested when I felt it was convenient. In every other occasion I was a “moment” type of person. If it was vacation, I was in that moment. If it was a party, I was in that moment. If it was a sporting event, I was in that moment. Not saying those things are bad, but if we become “moment” type of people we lose sight of what God truly has in store for us. We become what Paul calls idle. It literally took a guy that was discipling me to look me in the face and say, “so when are you going to stop being a fence rider? Because I know God really wants to use you big and for that to happen you have to choose.” That conversation changed my life. The idleness that Paul talks about that I was experiencing was gone. Now I was giving everything I had to the Lord and the fruits started to happen.

How do we fully invest?
We as Christians must set the example to a watching world. Verse 7 says "for you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you." Paul reminds them of his own example. Paul is saying – stay away from them. Don’t be drawn into the things of this world. Instead, work hard for the Lord, and never tire of doing what is good. For the more we realize what Christ has done for us, the more we will want to do whatever he asks us to do. I heard a Pastor say one time, “Just give me one year of your life, a year fully devoted to the Lord. And if you come back to me after that year is up, and then tell me it’s still not for you or your heart is still not changed I’ll leave you alone.” He continued and said, “I’m willing to make that guarantee because I know without a shadow of a doubt that God will change your life more than you could ever imagine if you just fully invested.”

Have you ever felt like you were idle? Have you ever tried going all in for the Lord? What is holding you back?

By: Tyson Steelman – Leadership Team Member

7 Comments


Tim Parsons - June 12th, 2021 at 7:22am

Great encouragement Tyson! Thanks

Tyson Steelman - June 12th, 2021 at 7:52am

Thanks Tim!

Lindsay Crawford - June 12th, 2021 at 9:25am

Such a good commentary, Tyson. I never included spiritual idleness in my understanding of that scripture. Thanks for that insight. I am so grateful for the people that poured into your life the way they did. I pray that I will have the same spiritually beneficial effects on others.

Tyson Steelman - June 12th, 2021 at 10:20am

Thanks Lindsay!!!

Tina Pepper - June 12th, 2021 at 9:50am

Excellent Tyson!! The things of this world are constantly vying for our affection and devotion. I’ve been right there with you. Nothing……absolutely nothing…..compares to the joy and purpose we have in serving Jesus with all of our hearts!! Thank you for reminding me!

Tyson Steelman - June 12th, 2021 at 10:20am

So true Mrs. Tina!!!

Reva Lavender - June 12th, 2021 at 8:34pm

This was awesome-thank you!!!

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