Because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:5

The words “you know what kind of persons we proved to be among you for your sake” jumps out at me. “For your sake what does Paul mean by that?

It brings to mind when Paul went to Athens and saw the monument erected to the unknown God.  He used this to introduce the good news to them. Paul didn’t spin a story then.  The people of Athens did not know the supreme being who made us all, that he became human to show us the way of salvation and remained with us and in us as the holy spirit.  Being the kind of person for the sake of the Thessalonians, did not mean that Paul adapted to their way of life. It meant that using what they already knew of life and God he used that to bring alive for them the story of Jesus Christ.  Paul and his friends spoke and acted in a manner that taught the Thessalonians about the Jesus movement.  They allowed their lives to tell the story.  I imagine it to be preaching the Gospel, using words if necessary.

Verse 6 confirms that view as the passage goes on to say “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy from the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

Paul and his friends behaved and acted in a manner that others would know the Christ and the good news. They invited the persons among them to come and learn from them.  These persons in turn mimicked them. Thus building a group of faithful Christians who despite being persecuted, received the word with Joy. Receiving the word with Joy is another powerful manifestation and declaration of being Christlike. 

I question if I am like Paul? And if not why not? Am I like Paul?  I do not think I intentionally share the word with those I meet. If the opportunity arises I will speak.

Should I be? I wonder.  Just thinking about this is unsettling. I already feel afraid when I think of walking up to somebody and asking if I can share a word of scripture. But there must be something more that I can do that helps strangers to know God.  Do I suggest we have a crusade? What more is God asking me to do?

Some things come to mind about which I need to pray.

1. An open invitation to those around to come and see, to come and taste
2. Physical prayer cards and short tracts that can be distributed.
3. Quarterly evenings of prayer and song.   

Why am I doing this? To get the congregations I serve filled with people on a Sunday? Yes but more importantly so that others may know the God whom I serve. Or is this others knowing God a cop out. Am I trying to accept the fact that it may not bear the fruit I want?

My friend Joseph Ross of Joseph DC Ross▪Poetic-Quotes™ says “The  greatness of man is not governed by the ‘goods’ he has… But by the GOOD… he gives.” By the good he gives… 

It sounds as if in the new year, God is calling me to be different in my approach. God gives the increase, my job is to sow and plant as I understand God. I must remember too that Paul was not a one man band. He had a team with whom he worked. God will guide me as I guide those God has given me to serve so that we together may be for the sake of others and always for God’s sake. 

I am only able to, we are only able to do and be, as the strength of God pilots us. May the power of God preserve us. May the wisdom of God instruct us. May the hand of God protect us. May the way of God direct us. May the shield of God defend us. May the host of God guard us against the snares of evil and the temptations of the world. Where God is all is well, all will be well, all manner of things will be well.