And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead.
1 Thessalonians 1:10a
When reading this verse in the middle of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, which is full of exultation and encouragement, I was struck by the question:
"Do people speak of how I look forward to Jesus' return?"
Am I even known for loving Jesus? Spreading His Good News and love to people?
I hope so, but just as Paul encourages the church in much of this letter to the Thessalonians, I need to keep growing and serving and loving more.
Each day is an opportunity to make progress in our relationship with the Lord. We will always fall short, never reaching perfection, but as long as we keep moving forward in the path He's set out for us, we will be rewarded with His most abundant gifts - His power, His presence, and the fruit of His Spirit.
These are the things that enable us to go from the place we are today to the next place tomorrow. They are also the benefits of making the choice to live obediently to God.
And as I live surrendered to Him, His light will shine. I don't have to strive to have a reputation as a lover of Jesus looking forward to His return. I simply have to live obediently in what God's called me to do today. People will then just notice.
This leaves us examining ourselves as to whether we're known for our relationship with Jesus, but the goal isn't to change our reputation, but to grow in the Lord faithfully and our reputation will take care of itself.
Lord God, let me be faithful in loving, following, and obeying you so that in my words and works people wont' see what I can do, but will see your power, glory, and love. Amen.
