BIBLE PASSAGE:
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and
persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
(1 Thessalonians 3:7)
MEDITATION:
Some Christians have the idea that God has not called them into
service. Although He may not have called them into a new specific
area of service (yet), all brothers and sisters in Christ have new
responsibilities as Christians. When we are saved, we are ‘yoked’
to the Lord which means we serve with Him.
Jesus reminds us that when we are ‘yoked’ with Him,
we have opportunity to learn how to be more like Him.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am
gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
(Matthew 11:29-30)
A few of the things He teaches us are:
– How to become gentle and humble.
– Our closeness to His presence provides rest for our souls.
– Walking with Him is easy
and our new responsibilities are easily attainable.
As we walk with Christ, we need to be encouraged in knowing that
we have become servants immediately. He may call us later to serve
in additional capacities, but living our faith serves as encouragement
to other Christians.
Imagine for a moment that you are a pastor and when you stand up
to preach there are very few people in the worship service. Think
about how discouraging that would be to you. Now contrast those
feelings of discouragement with how you would be greatly encouraged
if the sanctuary was full of people wanting to hear from God’s Word.
Look at how the faithful living
of other believers impacted Paul, Silas and Timothy.
For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy
we have in the presence of our God because of you?
(1 Thessalonians 3:8-9)
ACTION:
If you are a Christian, you should never have a lackadaisical and
half-hearted attitude regarding worshipping God. It is one of your
opportunities to serve the Lord by encouraging your brothers and
sisters in Christ.
Just as the Christians in Thessalonica encouraged Paul, Silas and
Timothy, you too can serve the Lord by encouraging other believers
by the way you live a life which shows your commitment, dedication
and faith in the Lord.
Think about how your faithful presence encourages others (especially
those called to share God’s Word) and how your absence discourages
them. And while you are at it, think about the things you can do and
say to encourage other members of your family in Christ.
Refuse to allow Satan to convince you that everyone is doing just fine
and they do not need (or want) any encouragement from you. There
are many who are hiding their hurts and you have the opportunity to
brighten their day with a “pick me up” word or act of encouragement.
Don’t miss out on how you can be used by the Lord (it will benefit you
as well; it will increase your own joy in knowing that God is using you).
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that although
You may not have called me into a specific area of service yet,
I can become a servant of Yours right now. Help me to live my
faith daily so that I will be an encourager to other believers.
Forgive me for any lazy and apathetic attitudes I have had
toward joining with my Christian family to worship You. Help
me to take seriously the impact I can have on others by the
way I live out my faith in You.”
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