1 Thessalonians 1

Nearly anyone can be a role model.

1 Thessalonians 1

THURSDAY  Reflections

"I'm not a role model!"

Charles Barkley made this statement 25 years ago. The very fact that I am quoting it today makes the point that yes, he was. We may not like it but we are role models for people around us. No, as Christians, it shouldn't be our goal, but it happens. You and I may never be on the level of an NBA Hall of Famer, but in some ways, we may be more of a role model to those that know us best.

Paul reminded the people in Thessalonica that they had become followers of Paul and Silas and the Lord (1 Thessalonians 1:6). When he says this he didn't give the typical response which I hear today, "Don't follow me follow Christ." Paul understood that people naturally follow people that they look up to. Paul knew he wasn't perfect but understood that he was a role model for Christians and he embraced it (1 Cor. 11:1).

Every Christian is called to be Jesus to the world around them. This doesn't mean that we turn into a parody of Jesus but that we live as he would if he were us, which in some ways He is. This is what God wants, but we have to realize we are also an example to those around us.

1Th 1:1-10

(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.

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