Continuing our study
of 1st Thessalonians…
Scripture: 1st Thessalonians 3:1-4
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left alone in Athens; and we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith, so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Indeed, you yourselves know that this is what we are destined for. In fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer persecution; so it turned out, as you know.
Thought for the Day: I have offered this image before: A TV commercial for a church—it begins with a family frolicking through a field of daisies with happy piano music playing in the background. Everyone is smiling, and there is absolutely no hint of concern or trouble. A gentle voice speaks over the music, “Come to church, and your life will look exactly like this.”
A lot of churches present Christianity in those terms, but in my opinion, those churches should be sued for false advertising. In the above passage, Paul spoke of the destiny for Christians, and there are no fields of daisies in his description. Paul had said to the Ephesians, “In fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer persecution…” In reading those words, it is clear that true Christianity is going to challenge even the best marketing firm when it comes to making a successful commercial. Paul never presented the life of faith in such a way that the difficulties would simply disappear. In fact, Paul often suggested that faith, if lived right, might bring more suffering and pain upon Christ’s followers. So why would we do this Christianity thing? Why exactly would we take up the cross and follow Jesus? Paul has answers which we will find in the coming chapters.
Prayer: Assist me, Mighty God, so that I never buy a false bill of goods when it comes to following your gift to the world, Jesus. Encourage me to seek his ideals and values that put others first…even when it means that I must sacrifice much for the sake of that goal. Amen.
