1 Thessalonians 2:1-20 tells us how people should see us as a child of God. We need to look at our lives and see if they are lives pleasing to the Lord.
Are you happy with the way others see you as a Christian? Have you allowed adversaries, accusations and insults to empty you of having the proper motive in your life? Or have you been bold in speaking to people about God?
If we are to be model Christians for the world to see, the following need to be in our lives:
•Boldness (verse 2) — This means we are to be fearless in our spirit, confident in what we stand for.
•Truth (verses 3-4) — We need to be consistent in what we tell others. We need to be sincere in our actions and character. This makes us a witness of our Lord.
•Meekness (verses 5-6) — We need to show that we are able to endure injury with gentleness — mildness of manner.
•Faithfulness (verses 8-9) — We need to be faithful or in full communion and good standing with others. We must be steadfast in our allegiance, firm in our promise and in our duty, and true to the facts.
•Witness (verses 10-11) — We are to show knowledge in our testimony of the facts. We need to testify in what we believe. We need to show knowledge of what we believe.
•Study (verses 12-13) — We must each be a scholar, a learner, an attentive and systematic observer.
•Persecution (verses 14-16) — We will be harassed, punished because of our beliefs.
•Rejoicing (verses 17-20) — This is our soul-willing crown. We are the bring this same joy to others. We will delight in bringing this joy to others.
We need to look inward at what we have become. Would Jesus be happy for you to stand before him? Would he say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant?” We don’t need to be a stumbling block before non-believers.
Merriman is pastor of First Baptist Church in Greenfield. This weekly column is written by local clergy members. Send comments to dr-editorial@greenfield reporter.com.
