Character and Conduct
We had our first snow fall this morning. I had an early morning meeting in Berthoud so I’m glad the roads were clear. I attended a Chamber of Commerce meeting at Grace Place in Berthoud. This church was started 19 years ago in a school and just moved into a new large facility west of town on Hwy 287. This church is making a huge impact on a community in their community activities and church ministries.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But we were very gentle with you, like a mother caring for her little children. Because we loved you, we were happy to share not only God’s Good News with you, but even our own lives. You had become so dear to us!” 1 Thessalonians 2:7,8 NCV
I have always viewed Paul as more like Peter, than John. John was the Apostle of “love” and Peter…you know Peter….Strong, brash, outspoken. Paul knew how to stand his ground, endure suffering and keep persevering in the work of the gospel. But as he writes to the Thessalonians we see a “soft side” of Paul. But when we take a close look we see that character is reflected in conduct.
Consider the type of character Paul was trying to avoid. “Our appeal does not come from lies or wrong reasons, nor were we trying to trick you…. You know that we never tried to influence you by saying nice things about you. We were not trying to get your money; we had no selfishness to hide from you.” (1 Thess. 2:3,5 NCV)
In Paul’s day there were those who took advantage of the faith of people. They came across as “spiritual men” but were out for themselves. They were more interested in money, than others. Their motivations were always hidden behind a vale of spiritual authority. Paul knew what his “competition” was like and how he needed to go the “extra mile” to reveal the true character of God’s servants.
So to counter the charlatans of the day, Paul’s conduct spoke of the character of his life and that of Christ. We see he was caring and patient. He was willing to work hard and not be a burden to people. “I know you remember our hard work and difficulties. We worked night and day so we would not burden any of you while we preached God’s Good News to you.” (1 Thess. 2:9 NCV)
Paul was able to stand strong in the face of opposition. He had just come from the Philippian jail where he was persecuted for the work of the gospel. . “People there insulted us, as you know, and many people were against us. But our God helped us to be brave and to tell you his Good News.” (1 Thess. 2:2 NCV)
Paul continually sought to please God and not “fleece” people. “…we speak the Good News because God tested us and trusted us to do it. When we speak, we are not trying to please people, but God, who tests our hearts.” (1 Thess. 2:4 NCV) Paul realized that preaching the gospel may upset some people, but his desire was to be faithful to God’s call and not just win the favor of people. His care for people compelled him to speak the truth.
Paul realized the modern day adage, “you can impress people from afar, but you can only impact them up close.” He said, “Because we loved you, we were happy to share not only God’s Good News with you, but even our own lives.” (1 Thss. 2:8 NCV)
Conduct that flows from character leads to impact. Paul said, “…you know our visit to you was not a failure.” (1 Thess. 2:1 NCV)
Paul’s life challenges us today. Does our conduct reflect a godly character? One that is patient and caring and stands for truth? Are we looking to impress people, or to make a genuine impact on lives?
We see the summary of Paul’s life in these words, “When we were with you, we lived in a holy and honest way, without fault.” (1Thess. 2:10 NCV) Out of this commitment to the Lord Paul said, “We encouraged you, we urged you, and we insisted that you live good lives for God…” (1 Thess. 2:12 NCV)
May the Lord give us the strength, like Paul, to “go the way and show the way” as we admonish others in their life of faith. When we do, we see our character impacting our conduct.