1 Thessalonians 1:6-8
You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering 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.
While no church is perfect, Paul reminds us that there is such a thing as a model church (vv6-8) – a community of believers who bring God’s kingdom into everyday life and shape the culture around them.
Paul praises this church because their faith was not private or theoretical. Their encounter with Jesus reshaped how they lived, spoke, and behaved. In a crowded and competing spiritual landscape, their lives stood out.
Each of us carries influence. Sociologists suggest that the average person will impact thousands of people over the course of their lifetime. The real question is not whether we influence others, but how. How do our lives shape our workplaces, families, and communities? Jesus teaches that faith is meant to be seen, not hidden (Matthew 5:14–16). Before our words are heard, our lives must speak – through faith, hope, and love expressed in ordinary, everyday moments.
So let your faith in Jesus ring out this week.
- Let it be heard as you share hope in an uncertain world.
- Let it ring out as you choose love toward those you disagree with.
- Let it ring out as God’s peace guards your heart in moments of pressure – at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
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