You’re The Message

ByJim Stephens

Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1; Psalm 42

8 The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore—you’re the message! 9 People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. 10 They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom.  (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 MSG)

The Thessalonian believers were suffering persecution for their faith, they were isolated from other believers, but fervently committed to Christ. Paul told them their faith was making them famous, that they and the life they lived was becoming the Gospel message to others.

Then he spelled out three characteristics that described their faith:

  • They were generous, welcoming, and inclusive of others.
  • Their faith had changed their values from the worthless to the truly precious.
  • They lived in expectation and anticipation of the coming King – Jesus Christ.

Wouldn’t it be great to live in such a way that someone, somewhere, could know you or me and say, “You’re the message!”

Would you like to join me today in thinking about these three qualities of the life of simple, radiant faith?

What are the practical ways we can live this into reality in our lives?

  • Live with an open, inclusive, and welcoming attitude toward others.
  • Bring our values in line with God’s values.
  • Live in expectation and hope of eternity.

I want to live inclusively, value what God values, live in hope of eternity. I want to live in such a way that people can say of me, “You’re the message!”

Prayer:

Father, Thanks for a heart-check, values-check, and hope-check from your word today.  I’m going to think about these things all day today and I purpose to adjust my life toward what I see here. May I be more inclusive of others, less holding on to the junk, more living with expectation and anticipation. Amen!