In this chapter, Paul expressed that he dealt with the Thessalonian church in three different ways. As a young and humble child, not asserting his authority (1 Th. 2:6-7). Like a nursing mother, caring for her child (1 Th. 2:7-8). And, as a father, urging his children to live holy and godly lives.
For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 NIV
Paul was an apostle, so we expect him to urge us to live lives worthy of God. And we would rightly expect to hear that same urging from our pastors or teachers who are shepherding us in the faith. But what about the rest of us? Should we not all be urging each other to live lives worthy of God, who has called us into his kingdom and glory? I believe we should.
Of course, before I can reasonably encourage my brothers and sisters in the faith to walk worthy, I must first be walking that way. But if I am living a holy and godly life, and encouraging those around me to do likewise, imagine what a difference it would make in the life of the church. What if all of us did that?
I encourage and urge you to live a life worthy of God, the one who has called you into his kingdom and glory. Seek to please him in all that you do. Be the salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16) that our world so desperately needs.
