THE JOY AND FRUIT OF MINISTRY
1 Thessalonians 3:6-8, "...when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord."
I think it is important that we never take for granted our labor for God and the fruit that results from Christian service. The fruit we desire because of our labor is people who glorify God. Are you allowing God to work in you and through you?
It was evident to Paul through the report given to him by Timothy that Christians at Thessalonica were allowing God to work in them and through them. Faith and charity were both evidenced in them when Timothy came to visit, and they also had a great desire to see the Apostle Paul, whom God had used to bring the Gospel to them. Also, they had witnessed so extensively that Paul said, "...ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing" (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8). They had witnessed in such a manner, and the example of their lives was such, that Paul didn't have to say anything. Wow!!!
People are precious, and even more so when they’re seeking to glorify God in their lives. God is glorified through the spiritual growth of His people. Paul continued to show his heart and appreciation by saying, "For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you" (1 Thessalonians 3:9-11).
So, I simply want you to know, I thank God for you, for your testimony, and the life you are now living for Him. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Why do you think most people devalue their personal efforts and impact for Christ?
2. Have you placed a premium on your service for Christ? Why or why not?
3. Is your life a positive example of how others should live for Jesus? Explain.
4. Will you seek to influence someone for Christ today?