Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Self disciplined Minister

                       

Noel John George
Long Island MTC, NY

9 Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.
 

In these letters, Paul is trying to exhort believers in Thessalonica to live out their Christian faith in their daily lives.

LOVE IN OUR HEARTS
Paul commends the believers in Thessalonica for their love for their brothers, not just in Thessalonica but throughout the entire nation of Macedonia. This love manifests itself through their actions. And Paul exhorts them to keep doing more and more each day. In other words not to be satisfied with what they have already accomplished.

PEACE IN OUR DEALINGS
Paul also asks the believers to aspire to lead quiet lives and to mind their own business. Well it's not quite as it sounds. 'Quiet' does not refer to being silent. It means that our daily dealings need to be peaceful and our actions need to show the true rest that God has placed in our hearts. We need to portray the peace proclaimed by our Lord in John 14:27,  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”. Secondly 'mind your own business' doesn't refer to living a life unconcerned about others. On the contrary, it means to work hard so that you have enough to bless others with; so that you will be self sufficient to help others in need.

ETERNITY IN OUR MINDS
Finally, we need to understand that our actions can help people near us to come closer to Christ. It could very well be a small thing like a smile or a greeting that helps us to connect with another individual and gain their trust. And that could help them see Christ in us. That should be the goal we aspire for.       

Lord, help us to be aware that we are your ambassadors here on earth. May our actions and words be a reflection of you.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.
(St. Francis of Assisi)

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