And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. (2 Thessalonians 3:13 NIV)
This seems like such a simple directive from Paul. And for some, it may well be. But I find it challenging. Now don’t get me wrong here. That doesn’t mean that I enjoy being bad; that is not the case. But this verse is not about being good, bad, or indifferent. It is about doing good.
‘Doing good’, at least to me, implies that I am active and making a positive difference in the lives of other people. It may be as simple as helping to reach something off the top shelf in the grocery store. Or it may take much more time and effort, like mowing a lawn or helping at a homeless shelter. There are plenty of opportunities to do good for those around me. And I do some of those things.
Neve Tire of Ding Good
The challenge with this verse is the phrase “never tire”. I quickly grow weary of engaging with people. I find myself rebelling against a busy schedule. And I would much prefer to be engaged in solitary activities: reading a book; working in the gardens; traipsing through the forests and mountains; or sitting at my computer writing. If you are a fellow introvert, you understand the need for quiet time to recharge.
But, as pleasant as the quiet time is, I am called to live in the noisy world, and to make a difference there; to do good. Jesus himself took time to be alone and to recharge. But he was always ready to reach out and touch those who were in need. Can I do any less as his disciple?
