HOW TO STAY OUT OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
1 THESSALONIANS 2:5-11
1 THESSALONIANS 2:5-11
5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,
OBSERVATION:
Ok, two confessions. I may have used a bit of clickbait with the title of this devotional. And I used quite a lot of verses. But I could have included more.
In the last few years, we have observed way too many preachers falling out of the ministry for all the wrong reasons. Of course, it goes without saying that preachers are not the only ones being spiritually disqualified. But preachers get the most press, and they are more accountable for their actions.
In this chapter, Paul spells out a great code of conduct list for preachers, volunteer ministers, and all believers. We are all called to ministry and to serve God in His kingdom.
So, here is this partial but very good list.
Don't use flattery to get your way. Flattery is a cloak for manipulation.
Do not seek glory from men. Man's glory is short-lived and very undependable. Seek to glorify God and seek His approval. If you do those things, you'll come out well.
Be gentle with people. Treat them as a mother treats an infant child. Maybe not everyone is at your level of faith and/or knowledge. You did not start there, and all of us could use some mercy.
Be willing to give to those you love. There should be people in your life who are dear to you. And if you are involved in the Lord's business, those within your sphere of influence are worthy of your care.
Be a blessing, not a burden. For the sake of God's kingdom, be a giver, not a taker.
God and other people should be able to witness your life. Your devotion to God, right living, and blameless conduct should speak louder than your words.
Encourage, comfort, and challenge others to live worthy of God. This will be much better than criticizing, discouraging, and judging. And much better received.
I should have entitled this devotional a message to Alan Clayton. It was meant for me, but I hope you were able to glean nuggets from this letter as well.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, help me to live in such a way that You are pleased and glorified.