READ 1 Thessalonians 4:12

Finally, if we are going to ''shine as lights'' in a dark and wicked world, we must have a proper reputation. 

Paul has just told us what it means to have the right foundation: love for the Lord and love for one another. 

Then, he gave us practical instructions to live by.  Live quietly, mind your own business, and work hard. 

Next, he brings this all to a close-by telling us how important it is that we have a proper reputation in the world. 

He says, ''That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without…'' 

The purpose underlying Paul's exhortation on work and motivating all his other injunctions-to love, to live quietly, and to mind their own business-was evangelistic, so that the Thessalonians would walk honestly before outsiders. 

For him, the key to evangelism was the integrity Christians manifest to a sinful, confused, and agitated world. 

When believers display diligent work attitudes and habits and live in a loving and tranquil manner that respects others' privacy and does not intrude or gossip, it constitutes a powerful testimony to unbelievers and makes the gospel credible. 

We are called to live and work in that same manner so that non-Christians can see how we live and how we work. That is the primary means of drawing people to Christ. They can see the reality of the gospel in the way we live and work. This provides a missional thrust to the entirety of our lives.

Henry Ford once said, ''You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do.'' 

I thought about that quote and I came to the conclusion that it was very appropriate for followers of Jesus. 

Far too often we have good intentions but we never follow through. And a good reputation isn't built on good intentions. It's built on good and godly living.

When unsaved people see Christ magnified in our lives, they will either oppose it with envy or desire to have it for themselves.  Either way, God is glorified.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  How would you measure your walk before the unbelieving world?

2.  What can you do to improve your walk before those who are lost without Christ?

3.  Are you a person with good intentions, yet you lack the discipline to do what you know is right?  How can you begin to fulfill your good intentions?