“You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia--your faith in God has become known everywhere.”
-1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 (NIV)
The people that Paul is writing to were baby Christians. He had been with them a few weeks, taught them about Jesus, and then had to leave--but he (and the other missionaries with Paul) had become mentors to these new Christians. You see, it wasn’t enough for the leaders to tell them to act like Jesus and to do what’s right...they modeled it in such a way that the Thessalonians could “imitate” them. That’s the best formula for teaching and learning:
1. I do.
2. I do--you watch.
3. You do--I watch.
4. You do.
5. You do--others watch etc...
When it comes to really living out a Christian walk and having Spirit-filled joy, it’s difficult. We can learn, however, from the example of Paul and the Thessalonians that if we look to Godly people as mentors (and small group leaders) to imitate and follow--that we can not only learn and grow strong, but our words, thoughts, and actions will ring out for a lost and dying world to see and hear! We can give people the hope that we have in Christ Jesus!
-Shane McKinzie
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Reflection…
Who are the top two or three Godly mentors you have had in your life?
Is there someone you are being mentored by now? If not, I encourage you to ask somebody you respect or to get involved in a small group.
On the flip-side, is there anyone that you can be mentoring and pouring your life into? Pray that God puts someone in your path to share Jesus with today.
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Prayer...
Pray that God brings the right people into your life for you to be able to help grow, and brings the people that will help you grow.
Unreached People of the Day - Darjee of Nepal
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Read the Bible in a Year...
Joshua 1
Isaiah 7
1 Thessalonians 1-2
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