Model Citizens

so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.
(1 Thessalonians 1:7 – ESV)

This letter was written during Paul’s second missionary journey. They were much persecuted in Thessalonica, and it followed Paul to Berea (Acts 17:12). However, this persecution actually caused the faith to be more precious to these people, as is always the pattern for true Christians. This is true conversion into God’s kingdom, when others witness of our change and pattern of godliness. Our lives are meant to witness as much as our words. If you are a Christian you will spread the mission. To you your words may seem weak, but to others your life will truly speak.

The Thessalonians’ lives became a pattern for others. The word in your bible for example means they were transformed, the word means a model. With our lives we are supposed to become model citizens, we become an example and show forth the praises of our King. We are to act as ambassadors of the kingdom of God (Philippians 3:20). That can only be done in the power of the Holy Spirit, and it comes about simultaneously while encouragement from other believers goes forth.

There is where the religion is, not simply as we speak words on Sunday morning, but as we live lives unto God during the week. It is a wonderful thing to behold us all in unity and worshipping Christ, hearing His word and singing praise to His name and fellowshipping with people of like precious faith as we gather together as a church family. No doubt this is true. But it is also wonderful thing for other people who do not know Christ to behold our faith and life and devotion to Christ when they see us out in the everyday world. That is what makes it real to them, friends. When we have joy in affliction, when we have joy despite the mundane existence it might seem like we are in, when we truly become examples of what Christ can do through an ordinary life, when we do that God will anoint our words with power and our lives as praise.

We are not called to be models of how good we have it on this earth because we are “king’s kids”, we are called to model the joy thorough sorrow, triumph through trials, the power of perseverance, the life from death lifestyles reminiscent of the suffering servant, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That is what the bible would call model behavior.

“Living For Today With An Eye For Tomorrow”©