A New Understanding; First Thessalonians

May the mumbling commence!

Through the Scriptures, we can come to a new understanding of the world around us.  We can see the values of this world as they are – upside-down.

Normally, we would wish to avoid suffering.  Normally, we want to be our own man (or woman).  Christ calls us to be different.  Read from First Thessalonians chapter one (NIV):

You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message 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. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead – Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. (Verses 6-10)

Imitate God despite the severe suffering that follows it.  Welcome the message with joy!  Turn from idols to worship the Creator rather than the creation.

Allow nothing to come between you and God.  Band together in Christian love.  If you do, you cannot go wrong.

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out