Continuing our study
of 1st Thessalonians…
Scripture: 1st Thessalonians 4:9-12
Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one.
Thought for the Day: The Apostle Paul was demanding, though complimentary. As we’ve talked about in earlier sessions, Paul heaped praise upon the Thessalonians for all the good things they had done. In this passage, he continued with more affirming words. It sounds as if they are doing such an amazing job that they have, in fact, reached the pinnacle of faithful living. Then Paul added the words, “But we urge you…to do so more and more…” Don’t you imagine a few folks in Thessalonica who were having these words read to them in worship would have whispered to their neighbor, “Really! What does this guy expect of us?”
Paul’s expectations were high, though it was not just in regard to the Thessalonians ability to love, but to make sure that they were living complete lives of integrity. Paul wanted to make sure that “outsiders” (not a negative exclusive term in this context, but simply describing those who were currently not part of the faith) clearly observed genuineness among the people of faith. Perfection will never be reached, and there will always be failures, but Paul pushed the churches to recognize how easily the point of our faith can become derailed. Too often within the churches of Paul’s day (and today as well), individuals would do small things that were contrary to the faith. These little things were not only noticed by the outsiders, but they became the focus. Suddenly the conversation was not about God’s amazing love revealed in Jesus Christ, but some side topic that distracted everyone from the main point.
Where have you seen the church lack integrity on the little things, yet it was these little things that were noticed and became the place where a majority of the church’s energy was spent?
What are a couple of things that might help the church maintain a high level of integrity and keep attention on those things that will ultimately change lives?
Prayer: O God who is always closer than our imagination could perceive, encourage me to maintain Christ-like standards in all my activities. I can only hope that what I say and do will guide the attention of others to you. Amen.
TODAY IS A BIG DAY
FOR CYPRESS CREEK
CHRISTIAN CHURCH
One Sunday Service
10:30am
For the Ordination
of
John Frey
