And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. (1 Thess. 1:7)
My son, Josiah, wanted to go to the coast of North Carolina desperately, and I didn’t know why. I pressed my nine-year-old for more information and soon learned that he had a science project where he had to choose a lighthouse to research and build into a three-dimensional replica. While it would be much easier to Google it or find a book at the library, he wanted to see the lighthouse in person before he created his model. Because my wife, Nicole, is an artist and has more of a creative gift, I saw them come up with an incredible plan they executed to perfection—one still curated in a glass case at his school a year later.
When Paul wrote to the church of Thessalonica, he gave thanks for so many things, but one that I find interesting is how he commended them for being a model for all believers. We all know that Jesus is our ultimate model, but as believers, we should also be real-life examples of a life prompted by love and inspired by hope with deep convictions.
When someone looks at your life, what do they see? Would they say you model what it means to be a faithful follower of Jesus, or would they be surprised to know you are a Christian at all?
Express your appreciation for the faithfulness and example of a fellow believer.
Santes Beatty is director of multiethnic ministries for The Wesleyan Church.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
