1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.”
When you follow someone’s example, you become an imitator of that person. The believers in Thessalonica mimicked Christ’s example and Paul’s, Timothy, and Silas’s example of living for Christ out of their hope, love, and faith by continuing in learning all they could from the Word of God, despite being persecuted by the unbelieving Gentiles. Paul led these believers in personal discipleship in their spiritual lives. Paul admonished these believers to follow their examples as he also said in Philippians 3:17, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Then in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
Who do you look up to as a prime example of being someone you would want to imitate for their faith in Christ? I have to ask myself if I am being a good example each day of what a Christian is, despite conflicts and challenges I encounter? That is a serious thought to ponder. I am reminded of the saying, “Do what I say and not what I do.” Sound familiar? Why is it that irritations and stress clouds and influences our wrong reactions so often, and then Satan’s weapons of guilt, shame, frustration, and feelings of failure slide right in – and whamo! Are you able to say to those you influence to be an imitator of your life? I fail many times.
Who had the most significant influence or impact on your life when you were growing up? Was it your grandmother, a parent, teacher, cousin, or a friend that made a significant impression on how you viewed life and your dreams? Was this person older than you were, the same age, or younger? This all makes up who you have become.
The word “affliction” in verse six, I think we all can relate to and have experienced, and involves handling pressure. We all need examples of how to follow Jesus Christ, beyond the need of hearing how to follow Him. How do we handle disagreements? How do we make hard decisions correctly without regrets? How do we be imitators of Christlikeness during this pandemic?
The Message puts it this way, “And determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit! – taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble.” 1 Thess. 1:6. That pretty much sums it up, how we are to live. Looking ahead to heaven is still the bigger picture. When I start to see the provision, protection, and presence of the Lord amidst a problem, I then want to be a better imitator of Jesus Christ.
We need to take the troubles and daily crises with the Holy Spirit’s joy from the verses we read in the Bible and let it soothe, comfort, and give us wisdom and knowledge of God’s promises and power in order to be a magnetic influence. Jesus said in John 13:15,“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” Who do you want to imitate this week, and who can you be an example to as Christ has humbly served you? That comprises a dynamic, magnetic influence, being of benefit and enabling leaving a mark on others, due to focusing on Christ’s presence, protection, and provision in your life. Godly shepherding involves stability, bringing order to chaos, being a magnetic influence.
Listen to the Newsboys new song Magnetic.