I Thessalonians 2:9-13 (NRSV)
Read I Thessalonians 2:9-13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 9You remember our labor and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. Verse 10You are witnesses, and God also, how pure, upright, and blameless our conduct was toward you believers. Verse 11As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, Verse 12urging and encouraging you and pleading that you lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
Verse 13We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God's word, which is also at work in you believers.
Devotion
Recently I saw a model of a church someone had made. The details were incredible. It was a work of art. Models are an example, replica or something to be imitated or compared. Paul was a model for people in Thessalonica and was proud of the example he has set for others. Paul served faithfully and lovingly and challenged the church to lead a life worthy of God. That is easy to say, but takes a lifetime to learn. Paul spoke of sacrifice and lived a life of sacrifice. Paul spoke of love and loved the people in action. Paul lived what he preached.
What does leading a life worthy of God look like? It is a life of consistent loving actions and kingdom values. Think of the loving actions of a father or mother. They provide a listening ear and words of encouragement.
Who is your model for faithful living? To whom are you a model?
Prayer
Thank you for those who have modeled the faith to us. May we be faithful to pass on in word and deed what has been given to us. Amen.