Consistency is one of the greatest needs in the workplace. Employers and supervisors are desperate for employees who show up on time and do the job they are supposed to do with a decent attitude. Turnover is increasing because workers don’t want to show up to work and while they are there they don’t want to do what they are paid for. This is nothing new and had been a problem as long as humans have had to work. When someone does what is required of them, they rise to the top. The same applies to Christians when we obey Scripture. Paul’s encourages us to “Do this even more.”
1 Thessalonians 4:10-12
In fact, you are doing this toward all the brothers and sisters in the entire region of Macedonia. But we encourage you, brothers and sisters, to do this even more, to seek to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, so that you may behave properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.
Expand Their Capacity
The church in Thessalonica was a vibrant church. It wasn’t without its problems, but it was known for its love of the brethren. As Paul is writing them, he is telling them to do this even more and expand their coverage to include the whole region. He doesn’t want them to become complacent but instead to allow God to increase the capabilities to love more. What an excellent example for all of us to follow that we would be known for our love.
Be Consistent
Paul also includes some instruction on how to be consistent in that love. He tells us to lead a quiet life, mind our own business, and work hard. Why is he adding this? Our motivation for loving others can be misguided. In an attempt to find out information or gossip we will cloak it as love. We can also get distracted from our responsibilities by being too involved in other peoples business. We have work to do, and we need to fit our love for others around our jobs.
Do This Even More
The two greatest commandments are to love God with everything we have and to love our neighbor as ourselves. That is a full-time job as a follower of Jesus. If we are focusing on those two areas in our faith, we won’t have time for the frivolous things that distract so many believers. Continue to love those in your life and allow God to increase your capacity to love. Do this even more.