Small boys would play pushing a wall. Despite their effort, sweat and tiredness, the object, the wall, does not move. That means no work is done. In physics, work is done when an object is moved or displaced by an external force.
Work not done: Paul writes: “For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.” (II Thessalonians 3:11, 12)
Walk in idleness: Walking in idleness means, aimless and purposeless walk. The believers in Thessalonica were doing things that were not productive, progressive, beneficial and did not bring glory to God. They could be termed as ‘dead works’ and disciples should repent from such deeds. (Hebrews 6:1)
Not busy at work: Paul calls them as ‘busybodies’ as they were active in doing something which could be termed as non-essential, trivia and not necessary. That does not personally benefit them, edify others, or do good to anyone.
Idle talk: Many talkers are not doers. Paul writes that idle talk or vain talk or useless talk or gossip or empty boast will lead people into ungodliness. (II Timothy 2:16) Busybodies talk a lot but do or achieve nothing.
Priorities: As disciples they could not determine their priority. Lord commanded His disciples to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33) When this priority is not there, there would be multiple priorities that would drain the energy, strength, and stamina of a disciple.
Misconception: Sadly, these disciples assume that they are doing great works for the Lord. But in truth, they do not add any value neither for the extension nor growth of the Kingdom of God. They are people who build with hay and straw that would be destroyed by fire in the judgment. (I Corinthians 3:12-15)
Blessing body: Disciples should not be busybodies but a blessing body – a blessing by their presence, words, actions, deeds, good works, and behaviour.
Am I a Blessing body or a Busy Body?