Scripture
“We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thes 1-3)
Observation
Paul was thankful for the these people because of their witness in the community in which they lived. They were known for three things:
1. Work – These Christians were workers, they didn’t just learn about the Lord and the Bible, but they also worked this out in their everyday living. Their work was born in faith and this is the kind of work that pleases the Lord. It is by faith that we are put right with God and when we do things by faith we accomplish that which God would have us accomplish.
2. Labour – This is the kind of commitment to a task that makes sure it gets done, no matter what. Labour can be painful and tiring but it brings new life, it turns a barren field into a fruitful field. This labour was prompted by love, this was the motivation that caused these people to give until it hurt, to work even though they were tired and to keep on keeping on for the sake of the Kingdom.
3. Endurance – This is a higher degree on top of work and labour, this is effort that requires determination and conditioning. Endurance is needed to get through the tough times and the times when we hit the wall. The marathon runner keeps on going despite the pain and the wall, it requires a mental toughness and a physical toughness. This endurance is inspired by God and inspired by hope. Hope enables us to go through the grueling times and still know that God is in us and with us to help us complete His work.
Application
I desire to be like these believers in Thessalonica, believers who worked, laboured and endured for the sake of the gospel. This requires me to have faith, to walk in faith and live by faith. It necessitates that I have a heart that is motivated by love and that my actions are loving. It means that I need to be inspired by God’s hope and that this causes me to endure in the work that God calls me to do.
Prayer
Lord, please help me live and move in faith, love and hope, in Jesus name, amen.
David Goodwin