Walk Honestly to Lack Nothing 1 Thessalonians 4:12

Paul the apostle commended the Thessalonian church members for their love toward each other and people in Macedonia. He also challenged them to “increase more and more” and to “study to do” their “own business” and “work with” their “own hands”. In chapter four and verse twelve of his letter, Paul continued his instruction concerning “business” as he told them to “walk honestly toward” people who are “without” where we read:

That you may walk honestly toward them that are without,

and that you may have lack of nothing.

The verse begins, “That you may walk honestly toward them that are without,...” Paul began with the words, “That you may walk honestly” or “make progress, use of opportunities, regulate and conduct one's self” “toward them” which refers to “to the advantage of, at, near and with regard to” “that are without” which literally means “out of doors” and figuratively refers to “those who are away, outside or strange from faith in Jesus Christ”. Paul's idea was for the Thessalonians to make use of their opportunities to demonstrate their Christianity toward people who were not in the faith as yet.

The verse goes on to say, “...and that you may have lack of nothing.” Paul continued his thought with the result of the Thessalonians “walking honestly toward” people who were not Christians as he wrote, “and that you may have” or “hold, possess, own and adhere to” “lack” which means “need, necessity, duty or business” “of nothing” or “not even one thing, none and not at all”. Paul assured the Thessalonian church members the result of “walking honestly” toward people who were not Christians was not having to beg from others for their own supplies and needs.

When we meditate upon Paul's words, we are challenged to examine our own lives and the way we conduct ourselves before those who are “without”. Would those who watch us assess our activities in business and relationships as “walking honestly” or would they find corruption and deceit? Many have said, “I would rather see the Bible demonstrated than read it anytime”, and those who are outside the Christian faith may see us as the only Bible they ever read. Perhaps we should probe our actions, words, and motives to determine if we need adjustments in any area. We must remember, people are watching us, and the way we respond to adversity and struggle may be the example they need to move toward a relationship with Jesus Christ. May the Lord Jesus help us to “have lack of nothing” as we fulfill the words, “walking honestly”.

Next time Paul shares “about them which are asleep”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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