Rev. Don Campbell
1 Thessalonians 1-5; 2 Thessalonians 1-3
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2019, 2019
“DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS”
Paul had fond memories of the church at Thessalonica: “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3). “For you all” shows that it was not a few faithful ones, but the entire fledgling church that was prospering spiritually. Paul encourages them to keep on keeping on: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
As in any congregation, there are things that needed attention: “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15). “Be patient with all, but otherwise, different strokes are needed for different folks. We are to confront some—admonish the unruly (idle or disruptive). We are to comfort some—encourage fainthearted (disheartened, discouraged). We are to complement (complete or enhance by providing what is missing) some—help the weak.
There are, to be sure, some universals: “Live in peace with one another” (v. 13). “Be patient with everyone” (v. 14). “Do not repay evil with evil” (v. 15). “Seek the good of all” (v. 16).
Paul wrote a second letter which confronted some false teaching, as well as some misconduct on the part of some: “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. As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother” (2 Thessalonians 3:11-15).
Perhaps the saying “Different strokes for different folks” is highlighted best by “The Message” (a paraphrase): “Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.”
CONNECTIONS
1. How does treating each person according to that person’s needs different from showing favoritism?
2. When I hear parents say, “We treated every one of our children exactly the same,” I tell them, “Then you mistreated one or more of them.” Would Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians support that?
