1 Thessalonians Chapter 1: verses 4-8 (NIV)
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.
1 Thessalonians Chapter 2: Verses 2-6 (NIV)
We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed —God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.
We all learn differently. Some people learn best by watching others and then following their example and doing what they have seen others do – we see children do that all the time. The Thessalonian Church learned from watching Paul and his fellow ministers when they lived among them. Paul didn’t arrive, plan an outreach and then leave the new believers to their own devices, he became part of their community. He didn’t use flattery and put on a show to get their attention. He was not trying to get men’s approval, but God’s. He kept things real. The Thessalonians could then see that Paul practiced what he preached. They realised what he was saying was true. They say that you only really get to know someone when you live with them. It’s hard to keep up a pretence twenty-four hours a day, after all. Paul also didn’t hide the difficulties he faced. Even that situation became a learning experience for the Thessalonians when they faced persecution of their own. They became imitators of Paul – they put into practice what they had seen him do – and best of all, they in their turn became an example for believers elsewhere.
God doesn’t want us putting on a show and trying to please others. Its Christ Himself we are seeking to serve. Our testimony has to be lived and real – even the difficult times, because others will learn from how we live. We want to see them in their turn living their lives for Jesus too. Its not simply about inviting someone to an outreach that will touch their lives, its how they see us every day that will reinforce the reality of our faith, or not if we are simply putting on an act.
Dear Lord,
Paul lived by example, and those he met followed that. Help me to remember that like Paul, even in the face of opposition, I am not trying to please others but to please and serve You. I pray that’s what people will see in me. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.