(1 Thessalonians 2:11 Thessalonians 2:1
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
2 1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
WP-Bible plugin) “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:”
Paul entered into Thessalonica with purpose: The city was a hub for commerce in the Roman Republic. It was bustling with activity. Paul’s intention was to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to a city full of lost people. This was his focus, his goal, his aim.
Our lives are arranged around what drives us. God wants the relationship between us and Him to become the driving force in how we live our lives. As Christians, we fall into one of three groups of people. The first is those whose life is arranged around they want. This is self-motivated, self-centered passion. Life is lived on the terms determined by self-will. The second is those whose life is arranged in reaction to the events of life that occur. Although this may seem like living by faith, in reality it is a rudderless life driven only on the terms and convenience dictated by self. The third is those whose life is lived on God’s terms. The timing, location, and activity of life are produced by a passionate relationship with the Lord. This is a life of faith amongst the lost. This is a life willing and able to give up everything if need be to accomplish a greater purpose. This is a focused life not easily distracted. Our purpose is driven by the relationship and the passion in that relationship dictates the terms – self is removed and everything is centered in Christ.
When you walk amongst the lost today, which type of Christian are you? Are you living on the edge of terms dictated by the world’s lifestyle or are you living a life driven by a love relationship with the Lord? This will determine whether you walk in purpose or vanity.
Renewed Thought – “You have to live with the people to know their needs, and you have to live with God to know how to solve them.” – John Maxwell
Kyle Welter
July 14, 2010 at 12:01 pm
It seems like that second group of people (the rudderless and reactionary) are in the most dangerous place. Being a reactionary Christian is itself (or maybe leads to) a lukewarm state of being. We may believe that we are living by faith, as you point out, but in reality we have found complancency – a complacency justified by misguided faith.
Glen J. Caneel
July 14, 2010 at 3:57 pm
I agree. Most Christians think we are deceived into sinning. Actually, most are deceived into apathy.