Copy Cats

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
1 Thessalonians 1 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
Thessalonica was the ancient capitol of Macedonia in northern Greece and scripture shows Paul himself planted the seeds of Christianity here. Many biblical scholars believe that this is the first epistle that Paul wrote to any of the churches.

Paul and Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy are giving thanks to the church because they are following Christ and walking out their faith in a conscientious way before God and man. The trio prays for the church and remembers the Thessalonians by their work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in Jesus Christ (verse 3). 

The last time Yesupadam was here sharing with us about Love-N-Care Ministries in India, I wrote down a few notes and he referred to verse 6 in his teaching. He spoke of how we learn from other Christians and how the new Christian communities in India are learning to follow Christ by the examples of other Christians. Yesupadam also thanked our church for our support through prayer, missions work and financial giving. He was grateful for us. His ministry could continue and be an example to Christians growing their faith while bringing new believers into the flock. If I’m deciphering my notes correctly, he thanked PRF for being an example for others to follow, to copy.

When I was little I remember trying to “copy” what the older kids were doing on the playground or on their bikes and skates. Sometimes I accomplished the stunt and many times I did not. It was on those occasions I would often get hurt, skinned knees, banged up elbows and various cuts and bruises.  My mom talked to me about who I was trying to copy or imitate and were they good examples to follow. Were they smart about what they were doing or were they careless even with their own bodies? She tried to teach me that if I was going to be a copy cat or imitate someone, to imitate those that were doing and acting in ways that were kind to others. And realize that sometimes older kids do things that little kids just aren’t strong enough to do yet and that’s when the little kids get hurt.

The church in Thessalonica was a group of young believers. Paul is writing to encourage them and commend them on how they have chosen to imitate a true Christ-follower… him. Some would say Paul is being awfully boastful here, but Paul not only taught the word and the new gospel, he did and lived the gospel in a way that even new believers could understand. He was the example for others to imitate… and still is. 

How cool is it that the Thessalonians got it. They let the gospel be who they were, not just what they said. They became the example to imitate all over the region. I imagine Paul had compassion for this body of believers even in the way he opens the letter…”Grace to you and peace.” 


POINT OF ACTION:
Search for ways to be an imitator of God. We are told in Ephesians 5:1 “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children.”  The word imitator—mimētḗs, is used seven times in the New Testament and all seven times it is in a positive example—of followers of Christ emulating a God-approved example.

Seek that specific pattern that allows each one of us glimpses into what God has for us. Like is says in Philippians 3:17 “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have us in.”

Be thankful for the Holy Spirit that even in our tribulation, there is joy in the Holy Spirit.


PRAYER:
God, being a follower of Christ, I ask you Lord to continue to show me who emulates your God-approved example so that I may learn more of your ways. 


WHO AM I?
I’m Gayle Norris and we are enjoying our roses in full fall bloom…