Never tire from the good

Dr Iain Jamieson November 19, 2025 4 2

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2 Thessalonians 3: 6-13 (NIVUK)

6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching[a]you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.’

11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

We should never weary about “doing what’s right” or “doing the hard thing”. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in leadership it’s to live the person you want others to be. Expect of others only what you would expect of yourself but, when they fall down – and this is crucial – don’t judge. Not everyone has walked my walk. So how on earth can I judge? What I can be is kind, help lift them up, invite them to the table to talk and share. And I can expect them to be the best them they can be, help them achieve it but never get disappointed when they don’t. I haven’t walked their walk. They will do their version of “what’s right” or “the hard thing”.  Just want them to do it because they want themselves to do it. Encourage, don’t put down. The power of the encouraging word far outweighs the hurt of the unkind and thoughtless.

The pressure on all of us is to not apply pressure, it’s to apply what Jesus would do. Be curious, be kind, be thoughtful and remember everyone has their journey. It’s not yours and you can never be judged by anyone but yourself and God who knows every molecule of you, in harmony and sympathy.

For some people the hard thing – well, it’s as simple as getting up from bed to face the day – that can be nothing short of heroic. For others it’s getting your writing into Sanctuary First on time…

Prayer:

Lord keep giving me the energy to be the best I can be, whatever I do.

When I stumble, when I hear things about me that seem cruel and unjust

Remind me, this is my walk and my journey and you are with me every step of the way

Remind me — to you I am precious — no-one will ever exist exactly like me again in time or space and you love every part of me and you know every part of me

and when I think I’m falling down remind me:

In you I’m doing my best.

In you I’m following the path you set.

In you I’ll never be like the rest.

With you I’m truly blessed.