Deeper ReflectionSPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP, MAKING DISCIPLES AND PARENTING,
being exemplary is most vital. What we say and do stand on what we
are. When we fail badly in what we are, what we say and do can become
meaningless. But then, perhaps, the only meaningful thing here is, sadly,
we become a bad example for people not to follow.Paul’s conduct before the eyes of the Thessalonians was “holy and
righteous and blameless” (v.10). “Holy” refers to “our being devout, pious
and pleasing to God”, “righteous” in “our dealings with our neighbours”
and “blameless” in “our public reputation”
15. Mark Paul’s
confidence in
his transparent authenticity: “You are witnesses, and God also” (v.10).
Concerning his working for his personal sustenance and not burdening
the Thessalonians, Paul could confidently say, “You remember, brothers”
(v.9). Paul would be presumptuous if he did not know for sure that the
Thessalonians did remember this. “Educational theorists are fond of
saying that we remember 20 percent of what we hear, 50 percent of what
we see, and a greater percentage of what we hear and see.”
16 And “there
is a broad consensus that visual memories are more lasting than audible
memories”
17. In our life and ministry, what do people remember us for?
Paul has this twofold confidence: His life has shown and is seen to be
exemplary, and he can call people to follow his example. At the heart
of Paul’s ministry is: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor 11:1),
labouring “until Christ is formed in you” (Gal 4:19).
15 John R. W. Stott, 53
16 Gary S. Shogren, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan, 2012), 105
17 Gary S. Shogren, 105, footnote 58
