Daily Devotional in I Thessalonians 1

Daily Nugget:
Other than one’s salvation, one of the most valuable assets a Christian has is his testimony
— what others think of him and what kind of Christian example he is (vs. 7). It is also important for a church to also have a good testimony in the community and also to be an outstanding example of Christianity. The early church in Thessalonica was one such church that did have a good testimony.

When Paul traveled, he heard others speak well of the Thessalonian’s ministry (vs. 8). They were particularly noted for their faith (vs. 9). What encouragement it must have been to the preacher to hear others speak well of the church.

The world is looking for something that is different. Many feel, down deep in their hearts, that the Lord can fix what is missing in their life — although they may not be able to put their finger on what actually is causing the emptiness in their life. They feel a church is a good place to start looking and go with expectations to find what they are looking for. Unfortunately, they often go and find things contrary to what they were expecting.

Often the preaching scares them off. They may never have heard biblical preaching before and may have been shocked by what they heard. That is acceptable because the Bible says that the Word of God is powerful. It may sometimes do some damage to feelings and consciences before it does its healing. The Spirit of God works many times that way when He convicts hearts. What the Spirit of God does is exactly what the people in the church need, whether they like it or not.

Sometimes, however, it is our humanity that scares them off. That is not good. We should strive not to be the reason for someone’s not returning to church. I remember one woman in a church that took it upon herself to tell many new visitors what she thought was wrong with their church. If she is saved and goes to Heaven, she will be ashamed of how many she gave a reason not to return. Actions and attitudes exhibited in a church reflect on what others think of the ministry.

We may be saved, but none of us is perfect. However, there are eyes on us all the time, if we are Christians. Are we being a blessing to people or a hindrance? What kind of testimony do we present to the majority that has observed our behavior?

Today’s Thought: What you are speaks louder than what you say.

Today’s Reading: I Thessalonians 1
1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6 ¶ And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:
7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. (KJV)