1 Thessalonians 2:1-7
You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.
Despite some very public opposition to Christianity, we really do not face much opposition to the gospel here in America yet. Yet we are always too busy to share Christ.
3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.
It's and election year. How refreshing it would be if everyone on the political trail spoke this way. But that is of the world. Imagine every Christian checked their motives before they spoke.
4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.
The word entrusted carries meaning for me that I find hard to put into words. In the movie Dances with Wolves, the medicine man, Kicking Bird, entrusts the well being of his family to, Lt John Dunbar. It's the feeling of being given something of great value to care for.
We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children among you.
I have a friend that I love to watch him worship. He has an audience of one and that is God. In the same manner when we share the gospel the only approval we need seek is from God.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
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