April 3 - Toward Them.

I Thessalonians 4:11-12
“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.”
 
Have you ever met someone who seemed liked they studied just so they could tell everyone everything they know? It’s distracting from the purpose at hand, isn’t it? As we study the Scriptures, God wants us to study to be quiet, to be peaceable and gentle in our speech.
 
Have you ever met someone who paid attention just to know your business? Or someone who put their hands on a project where they did not belong? Our text today shows us that we are to work with our own hands while doing our own business. The meddlers of this world must not have read this passage! It is a great reminder to those of us serving in the ministry that we have a purpose; we have a calling that should be our focus and we should let others focus on their own ministries.
 
Why is this important? So “That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without”. It is important for us to focus on our purpose & calling so that we can take the Gospel to those who are without it. We are to walk honestly toward them. The lost are waiting with empty hearts whether they realize it or not. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness of their hearts and hands. We have been entrusted with the Gospel, and it is our commission to share it with others.
 
What does the verse say will happen when we do this? “that ye may have lack of nothing.” God has promised us that He will supply all of our needs, IF we will trust Him and carry the Gospel to this lost and dying world.
 
Remember the verse in Colossians that is similar to our text today:
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” Colossians 4:5
 
How are you carrying the Gospel today?
How are you redeeming the time that God has given you to reach the lost?
 
 
Bible Reading:
Deuteronomy 31-32  |  Acts 5  |  Psalm 63