Good Morning Friends,
“You know, brothers, that our visit to you was
not a failure. We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you
know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of
strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure
motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men
approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please
men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we
put on a mask to cover up greed -- God is our witness. We were not looking for
praise from men, not from you or anyone else.” (1 Thessalonians 2:1-6)
Whose approval matters most to you? We’re all
influenced by the opinions of other people. We want to be liked and respected.
But is the approval of other people the most important approval you seek? It
wasn’t for Paul and those who traveled with him.
If their goal was to achieve the approval of
men, then most of their efforts would have to be classed as failures. They were
run out of city after city. That was certainly true of their visit to
Thessalonica (see Acts 17). Some people became believers, but the crowds were
mostly against them and Paul and Silas had to flee the city to preserve their
lives and continue their ministry elsewhere.
Most of us would look back on an experience
like that as a failure. Paul didn’t. He was not after the approval of men. He
was seeking to please the Lord. The Lord was pleased with what Paul did in
Thessalonica. Some people did become believers. A church was started there and
it continued to grow and mature after Paul’s departure, as evidenced by this
letter he wrote to them.
It’s difficult to do what you know will turn
some people against you, but if God approves, it’s worth the disapproval of
other people. After all, His opinion is the one that matters most!
His, by Grace, Steve
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