One of the challenges in leadership is how to respond to those who will not follow the guidance given them. What should be done with those who disobey? Some groups choose to do nothing. This soon leads to a complete breakdown of all standards and the group falls into chaos. Other groups go to the opposite extreme. They use threats, intimidation, violence and even the threat of death in order to control their members. In these groups obedience is based on fear.
Among the followers of Christ, disobedience is neither tolerated, nor is obedience coerced. Instead, those belonging to Christ rely on the power of love and positive example to persuade people to do what is right.
The church at Thessalonica had a problem. Some of the people in the church were disorderly and refused to work. Instead, they expected to live on the charity of the other believers and caused trouble by being busybodies. In his first inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul told them to warn the idle. (I Thessalonians 5:14) Unfortunately, this instruction was not sufficient to correct the problem. The busybodies continued in their idleness. In his second inspired letter to these people, Paul gave an explicit command that they must earn their own living. In addition to the command, Paul reminded them of the fact that he, himself, had shown them by example how to work. Though he had the right to receive payment for preaching the gospel, Paul chose to support himself by working. In this way he not only gave a practical demonstration of the principals he taught, no one could accuse him of being a financial burden.
But what should be done if someone ignores Paul’s example? What if they persist in refusing to obey his instructions? In chapter 3, verses 14 and 15, Paul writes, “If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
From what Paul writes, it is obvious that there is a standard of behavior in the church. This standard is the teaching and the instruction of the Apostles. This is one reason why it is important to constantly read and study what the Apostles have written. In another place Paul writes, “These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly; but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in God’s house, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:14-15)
If someone persists in not obeying the instructions of the Apostles, Paul says to take special note of him. This means that the followers of Christ are accountable to each other. The members of Christ’s body are to be aware of each other’s spiritual condition. The idea is not that of a policeman checking to make sure that someone is within the law, but members of a family who are not only aware of each other’s needs and problems but are ready to help each other overcome them. If someone has a chronic or persistent problem in following the Apostles’ instructions, then the other members of the body need to take special measures in order to help that person overcome the problem.
What should be done? Paul says to not associate with that person. Sometimes when a child misbehaves, his parents will make him sit by himself in a quiet corner until he is ready to act properly. He is isolated from the activities of the family until he is ready to abide by the standards and principles of the family. In the same way, a member of the family of Christ who is not acting properly should be isolated.
What is the purpose? Paul writes that the purpose of not associating with someone who will not follow the Apostles’ instructions is so that he will feel ashamed. Just as a misbehaving child should feel ashamed of his behavior and the effect he is having on his family’s name, a misbehaving Christian should be ashamed of the dishonor he is bringing on the church. It is extremely important to note, however, that Paul says to not treat such a person as an enemy. The purpose of all church discipline is not to destroy, but to restore. A parent does not discipline a misbehaving child in such a way as to destroy him. Instead, discipline is given in love so that the child may learn and grow in maturity. This must be the goal of discipline in the church as well. Though those who do not act as they should must be warned, they are still brothers, not enemies.
Paul closes this letter with the following words, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all. The greeting of me, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter: this is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
Paul calls Christ the “Lord of peace.” If Christ is the Lord of peace then it follows that peace should be one of the characteristics of those who claim to be in Christ. Sin destroys our relationship with God. Through Christ we can be at peace with God once more. But the peace of Christ is not only spiritual. It also affects our relationship with other people. In his first letter to the Thessalonians Paul wrote, “…Be at peace among yourselves.” (1 Thessalonians 5:13) The followers of Christ are not only to live in peace with fellow believers, but with everyone. Scripture says, “Follow after peace with all men…” (Hebrews 12:14) And, in another place it says, “If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18) Many places in this world are plagued by strife and conflict. We may be sure, however, that none of it is from Christ. Neither does it originate from those who obey Christ’s teaching.
Someone had apparently sent the believers at Thessalonica a false letter in Paul’s name. (2:2) Paul authenticated the letter he sent by writing the final greeting with his own hand. Today there are many who claim that some ancient document which contradicts what is written in the Bible is the true gospel. There is an easy way to check these claims. If the document does not agree with what Paul and the other Apostles have written, it contains false doctrine.
Paul concludes this letter by praying that Christ’s grace would be with those to whom he writes. If you want grace for your life, you will find it only in Christ.