Being An Example

“As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.” (1 Thessalonians 1:7 CSB)

Paul had high praise for the Thessalonian believers. Almost from the outset of their faith, persecution swooped down on them like an owl on a mouse. It was severe. But these hardy believers worked in faith, labored in love, and endured in hope. The message of the gospel was such good news to them that they were willing to accept the persecution that went along with it. The gospel gave them freedom, release from the power of sin through forgiveness, and eternal life. They got rid of all their idols, freed from the tyranny and fear of idolatry.

Paul also told these Thessalonian believers that their example had been shared with other believers in Macedonia and Achaia. This is a reminder that, in fact, all of us are examples of something. The Thessalonians are examples of believers who face extreme difficulty with a shining faith, hope, and love. The question is: What kind of an example am I for those in darkness? What kind of example is my church?

Some churches are examples of how to fight and not play well with others. Some are examples of extreme liberalism that grieves the Spirit of God. Some are examples of warm loving fellowships that are Bible-centered.

The real question at the personal level, though, is: What kind of an example am I setting for others? That’s a tough question because in some respects it is difficult to know. We know what our actions are, and the Bible can help us know what those actions communicate. But we only really know what our example communicates by how it is impacting the lives of others around us. If others seem to get something out of being around us, we might call that a “plus.” If being around us does not seem to benefit others much, or results in them being less blessed, we might see that as a “minus.” When the “pluses” outweigh the “minuses,” we might then conclude we are setting a good example for the most part.

Whatever the self-evaluated results we come up with, maybe what we really need to do is to simply make a personal commitment before the Lord that the example we will try to set before others is one that will bless them and glorify God.

Lord, Help ME today to be the best example I can possibly be of what it means to be a believer. Amen.