Have you ever read a portion of Scripture that really made you pause and look within yourself to examine your life? Well, that happened to me as I read 1 Thessalonians 1 today. I was struck by the reputation of the people of the city of Thessalonica as described by Paul.
Their work was produced by faith.
Their labor was prompted by love.
Their endurance was inspired by hope.
The fact that they were chosen by God was evidenced by the fact
that they became imitators of Paul and of Jesus.
They became a model to all believers in Macedonia.
Their faith was renowned everywhere.
They served God as they waited for Jesus’ return.
I don’t know how that list affects you, but for me, it really gave me pause. I had to stop and reflect on my life.
What would be said of me?
As I sat in that list for a bit, I noticed that it doesn’t just reference the outward action (work, labor, endurance), but it also addressed the inward character that fuels that outward action (faith, love, hope).
As I read on, in 1 Thessalonians, as if putting the icing on the cake, the Spirit drew my attention to another verse that reinforced the direction He was leading my thoughts. It is a verse He knew would REALLY hit home to this “recovering people pleaser”.
“We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.”
~~1 Thessalonians 2:4~~
In my pursuit to feel “good enough”, I may fool man; but the One who really matters is not so easily fooled. He sees the “why” behind the “what” that I do.
You can’t serve God and yourself at the same time.
You must pick one.
Oh Lord, help me to have a pure heart. I do want to please You. And while I desire to be a testimony and a model like the people of Thessalonica were to others, it’s YOUR approval that I want to be my motive. It’s love for YOU that I want to fuel my thoughts, feelings, actions, and reactions. Oh how I desire to one day hear “Well done thou good and faithful servant”. Please enable me to change my heart and my focus. I am so in love with you and I want my life to truly reflect that.