In 1 Thes. we read, “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us,” (1 Thes. 2:8). Later he states, “…for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?” (1 Thes. 3:7-10). I can’t help but wonder how many of us would truly be comforted in the midst of distress upon hearing about the faith of our brothers and sisters? What’s more convicting about this passage is what it reveals about the mind and life of Christ. Paul is consumed with Christ and the faith of the saints. His mind is wholly on Christ and how Christ might be glorified and exalted. Nowhere do you see Paul focused on trivial earthly matters, which we often become consumed with. He always has the big picture in mind as he lives out his faith.
In Col. 3:23-24 he states, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” All of our work, all of our actions must be done for the Lord and must glorify the Lord. Thus, Paul says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him,” (Col 3:17). This means we must keep Christ always on our minds considering carefully our steps so they might glorify him. All of our lives are to be lived for Him, every moment of every day. Oh, that I would truly believe this and live this way!
Now, the only way we can love our brothers and sisters as these bloggers call for us to, is to know Christ fully by abiding in his word and doing everything unto him. When we are like Christ we will care about the salvation of others and know how to speak the truth so it convicts, exhorts, and comforts. When we care about others as Christ cares, we will find joy in their faith and be encouraged in the midst of suffering for his sake. When we love as Christ did we will lay down our lives for others and pray continuously for others. When we know Christ then we can walk in the way he walked as he tells us to.
As I search my own heart one area of my life stands out as a major hindrance to my full devotion to God: entertainment. How many wasted hours, especially this week, I have spent filling my mind with the thoughts of the world, instead of loving my spiritual family through prayer and other actions. Consider, my brother and my sister, what is a hindrance in your own life and endeavor with me to fully live for Christ in obedience to his Holy word.