Under my husband’s teaching, our small group began a study of Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians in our small group yesterday.
I love the way Paul begins this letter to his church at Thessalonica: “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know brothers 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 with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord: in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model 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.”
What a commendation. I would hope that we Christians portray complete reliance on the Holy Spirit, witnessing to those where we are and those far away, that we would be living and loving the gospel of Jesus Christ enough that it changes us, empowers us, and endears us to others seeking to know that gospel, that Good News.
I would pray this commendation for each church, each group gathered in Christ’s name, whether in a believer’s home, a cathedral, a school gym, a Bible study group, or in a nursing home hospice. Where there are two or three gathered together, or where thousands attend church through the internet or television, if God’s message of sin, redemption, restoration, sanctification, and service is lived, may it serve as a beacon in this dark world.
When each individual Christian lives as a model, imitator of the Lord, in the joy given by the Holy Spirit, he or she can change the entire atmosphere around him or her. In fact, that’s exactly what being a light for Christ means. When others notice the peace, even through suffering, that a Christian believer exudes in his/her every waking moment of influence, it becomes not just a candle on a lightstand, but a beacon drawing others to that light. It is my mission. It is my joy. Even in adversity, may my life show these qualities: “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
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