Orderly Living

2 Thessalonians 3:10-15   
10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.   13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

An example of living disorderly in the church of the Thessalonians was laziness and refusal to work.  These would rather take from others as they spread gossip around while getting into everyone’s business.  We are reminded here that if someone does not want to work, they should not be given something to eat either.  We should earn our way with our own hands and give to those truly in need who cannot work.  Therefore we should do as advised here and work quietly, not in gossip or slander.  When we are living orderly, then we can continue in doing what is right and good in God’s eyes with the assurance that He will keep us by grace.  But for those not hearing or refusing to live according to scripture, it is best to keep them at a distance - not as our enemies in hatred, but in firm love as wandering brothers who need correction.  The goal is restoration with God and man, and this cannot be done if we ignore the disobedient and disorderly actions.