Day 118/260: Read 1 Thessalonians 1

How important is the example you set?

Paul commended the church in Thessalonica for following the example he and his companions set in the gospel, “as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.” Despite affliction, they were shown how a Christian should act.

The church also led others by example. Paul writes, “And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.”

When we are young in the faith, we look to those who have been a part of God’s family for some time to set the proper example for us. In time, though, we become the example for those younger in the faith than us.

We learn so that we can teach, both in word and in example. The young evangelist Timothy received these words from the apostle: “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

We learn so that we can teach, and we teach so that others can teach. Let us follow the example of Paul, who followed the example of Jesus, and set a proper example for those who come after us.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Colossians 3:1. If then you were ____________ with Christ, seek those things which are ____________, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Pray

Pray for strength in being a proper example to others in the faith.