Urged To Do

DEVOTION
1 THESSALONIANS
URGED TO DO
1 Thess 5:14-15
14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
NIV
I surely am not one who is idle, but yet the Greek word carries a far greater concept of not simply idle, but to be disorderly or unruly. I would suppose that old saying that an idle mind is the devils workshop has so merit in this idea. If my mind were to be idle, to be disorderly or unruly I would certainly be in danger. Maybe this is speaking to the actual actions of disorderly conduct; living is such a way as to not be in control of myself. I cannot live as an unruly individual, such as so many in the world are. I cannot have an unruly mind either. I am admonished by God to think about things which are true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. I am also to think about things that are excellent and praiseworthy. If I keep my mind focused in such ideas how can it have time to get disorderly? And if my mind is not than it would state to reason my body would not either. That sounds easier than it actually is. I am not sure why my mind still wanders off to distant ideas. At least I am not unruly in my actions as much as I used to be. I think losing my patience is a bit unruly. I think getting my feelings hurt by someone is also a tad bit disorderly, as it is not being in control of my emotions. But this also instructs not just me but all believers to warn each other about not being disorderly, unruly in thought, words or deeds. Oh the tongue can surely be unruly. I am also instructed to encourage those who are timid or faint-hearted. I do not think I am in danger of being this myself, at least I don’t think I am faint-hearted one bit. I may be too strong hearted. I may believe too much. I might be considered by some as a fanatic or a fool for trusting God as much as I do. I care not. But I am also supposed to encourage those who have a difficult time trusting God as much as they should. Gold holds so much security for so many, even believers. As far as this weak thing goes I see in the Greek it implies not able to achieve anything great. To be weak in spiritual growth, I would think is the reason for this being weak. To have an infirmity in the spirit would truly define this word weak. I cannot afford to be like that, but I also must support or hold others from being like that. Help them in their spiritual growth so they will not be in danger of being weak. I also must remember how patient God is with me in my journey, with all my failures, all my faults, all my sin which I still struggle with and I need to translate that patience he has with me into my attitude toward others. If he can still love me through all my ways, I can do the same with others. No judging, no condemnation, no ridicule, just patience tempered by love. This I am urged to do.