Be accountable, we will all answer one day.

We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For He called you to share in His kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:12 – NLT)

The first letter from Paul to the Thessalonian church is a letter of thanksgiving to God for the faith, love, and hope of this young church. However in chapter two Paul is defending his visit to Thessalonica, in this day there were many traveling orators (preachers if you will) who only sought money and fame. Since Paul and traveling companions had come to the city and preached the Good News then left suddenly and had not returned, even though they had tried to several times, Paul deeply cared for and loved the Thessalonians and wanted to insure them that his intentions are true and he was a “messenger approved by God” (2:4). That his concern is to please God not man; God is the examiner of our hearts. Paul explains how they did not try to flatter them or to take their money; in fact they worked hard to not be a burden on them.

Paul stated in verse 11 “you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children.” Then verse 12 where Paul reminds them of how he pleaded with them to live God centered lives. “For He called you to share in His kingdom and glory.” Close your eyes for a moment and imagine this prospect, we have come face-to-face with our Creator, we swallow hard because we know it is time to be called to account for all our actions on earth, both good and bad. Our individual history is not secret to God, He knows everything, but I imagine that the extent of our past activities may be a jolt to us. Some of may be pleasingly astounded, but I envision the majority of us will not be.

We need to be positively certain that whatever we do today, out thoughts and actions are pleasing to Our Righteous God (Jehovah Tsidkenu – Jeremiah 23:6). Be assured that some day in the future, which may be sooner than some of us think, that we will be called into account for our lives.

Father of All Things, I pray that you make my words and actions show everyone who sees me the changes that You have made in my life and in me. Your Prince of Peace came from You into this world so that I would have a chance at abundant life and unending life with You. All praise and admiration to You Adonai (Lord – Genesis 15:2), for my Morning Star, my King of Kings, Jesus Christ, Your Word made Flesh. I will pursue You, Messiah, with Your strength and courage and by the power of the Holy Spirit, I will honor You, and extend the Good News of the Light of the World, today and always. I offer this prayer in the name of Your Son, the Alpha and Omega, the Life Giver and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Love, the very nature of God

Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

Here we see that faith, hope and love are elevated above spiritual gifts because they “will last forever.” It seems that almost everything I have read in the past few weeks has talked about love and how this is a commandment from God. Faith and hope are indispensable but “love” is the “greatest,” we are commanded to love one another just as Christ has loved us (read, John 13:24). We are not advised to, or encouraged to… we are commanded to love. This is an enormous responsibility, but as Christ followers we are obligated to live according to this command from God.

I have learned through scripture that love is the quintessential nature of God himself. Jesus Christ demonstrated this at Cavalry, when He gave His life on the Cross opening a door for us granting us access to the Father. We are called upon to return His love by sharing it. Starting today, let us share the love of Christ with our families, friends, lets even share it with total strangers! If we do this others might come to know Him, who chose us. What a powerful way to love God, allow Him to reach others through us. I can think of no better way to bring glory to my Savior than to share Him.

Loving Father,
I understand that loving you and one another is a command from you. Father, I do not have the strength or the wisdom to carry out this commandment on my own. Please Father; help me to always remember that love is a gift from You, a costly gift, and one that I can never earn or repay. Give me the guidance I need to cultivate love and to treasure this precious gift, now and always. I pray this in the name of the one who showed us how to love, Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.