Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Hello, dear ones.

I need to run…we’re going to be late at Pheasant Pointe for the Gospel Sing…then run to Dallas to pick up 4 grandkids to stay almost a week…no time to talk.

Blessings. Love, Dad/Ray.

Make no mistake about it—YOU ARE A ROLE MODEL FOR SOMEONE. And it can either be for good—or not good. So which is it? You don’t have to tell me, but you really should give it some serious evaluation and give yourself an honest answer. And don’t just do it once. Keep doing it. Without such constant personal surveillance, things can get pretty sloppy before you even know it.

Paul is here commending the believers at Thessalonica for being good role models. He goes on to say, “The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere” (1:8). “Rang out”—sounds to me like they were bell-ringer believers—just like you and I are called to be.

Let me cite two basic conditions in this passage that caused these believers to be bell-ringer believers: (1) THEIR GENUINE REPENTANCE. “…you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1:9). Understand that anything that is allowed to come between you and your personal relationship with God is an idol. (2) THEIR GENUINE LIFESTYLE. “We continually remember before our God the Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:3). They practiced what they preached.

One thing for sure—if you allow the Thessalonian believers be your role models, you will be a good role model.