They’re Leaving the Nest

I Thessalonians 3:1-13

When kids leave home, there is the possibility of them really getting into trouble. Two factors are especially important in preventing their getting into trouble. The first is what their parents have taught them. Some parents have taught a list of taboos. Kids who have grown up with taboos are only slightly better prepared to face life than those with no moral standards at all. Sooner or later, they will run into a situation where there is no taboo, or it doesn’t appear to offer real guidance.

Kids who have been taught a moral basis, can logically decide if something is right or wrong, and thus can more easily decide how to deal with new circumstances. While they make mistakes, they rarely make such serious ones. It is much harder to teach a moral basis than to teach taboos, with the result taboos are most common.

The second major factor in protecting kids from major mistakes is communication with their parents. Kids who feel their parents want control, and those who feel that no one cares don’t share their problems. Those who want to control disrespect their children’s maturity, while those who don’t care disrespect the person. The kids are thus deprived of their parents experience. It shouldn’t surprise us when they get into trouble.

Demonstrating respect requires allowing the kids to know about what is happening in the parents lives, as well as giving freedom to make decisions, while still demonstrating concern. Delivering ultimatums demonstrates a lack of respect, and destroys confidence in the reality of parent’s love.

In his effort to help the church in his absence, Paul has taken the trouble to inform them of the state of he and his companions. Knowing his state gives credence to his concern. It enables the church to emotionally connect with him.

“Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.” (I Thessalonians 3:1-4)

Children who have never seen their parents face problems are shocked when they do. Parents who divorce, drink, or accuse each other to escape problems teach their children not to resolve the problem. Understanding about problems can equip children to deal with them. Churches are comprised of people with the same attitudes, and must be dealt with in a similar manner.

Many times people hesitate to mention problems because they don’t recognize them as serious. By maintaining regular communication, parents can sense that a problem is developing, without prying, and begin to call attention to it before it goes too far. Paul has used a similar approach in his relationship with the church.

“For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?” (I Thessalonians 3:5-10)

This was something Paul did with several of the churches, besides sending letters. Even that interest helped to prevent falling away, and greatly reassured Paul of the efficacy of his ministry. It greatly relieved his mind to see that they were not being led astray.

Despite our efforts to protect the church, it is essential to recognize it is God’s church. Ultimately, God, not the pastor or missionary, is the one who makes the church succeed. His Holy Spirit causes love to grow. He gives the faith, peace, and patience that enables them to stay strong. It is Christ that makes us pure before God. Both the church, and the teachers, former and present must understand this. Efforts to help need to be directed by him, not by the flesh.

“Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” (I Thessalonians 3:11-13)