1 Thessalonians 1:3
- The apostle Paul lists 3 important things that make a difference.
- He talks about the work that this church was doing and their labor and endurance.
- Their work, labor and endurance.
- But that’s not what impressed him.
- That’s not what makes a lasting difference.
- He says that He always thanked God for them and brought them up in prayer.
- They had made an impact not because of “what they did”, but “how they did it”.
- We should take note of this.
- It’s not always “WHAT” we do that makes a difference, it’s “HOW” we do it.
- What is the spirit behind what you do and how is that communicated to others.
- He said, it was their work produced by faith, their labor which was prompted by love and their endurance which was inspired by hope.
- In 1 Corinthians 13:13 the Apostle Paul says, “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”
- FAITH, HOPE & LOVE!
- These 3 will last forever.
- These 3 things are essential!
- God honors and exalts Christlike character more than what you do.
- If you do things with the wrong motive and heart then you will destroy all the great works that you do.
- There will be no spiritual difference made.
- You can accomplish great things, and do great service projects but if it is done without love, it is useless.
- Today, examine the “HOW”
- How are you doing what you do?
- What does the way that you work say to others?
- How are you meeting needs?
- How is your attitude when you are working?
- How is your heart when you are serving or ministering?
- Is your work energized by faith?
- Is your service motivated by love?
- Is the thing that you are enduring in inspired by hope in the return of our Lord Jesus?
- Make today a day where you get to the heart of “how you do it!”
- Have a great weekend!