1 Thessalonians 2:14-16b
14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last.
The people Paul and his team served took on the whole package of lives completely and radically committed to God, His message and His service - with all the blessings and ugly consequences that came with territory.
As leaders and managers of integrity and truth – as those who stand tall even in the face of company politics or unethical practices – we will take our share of ‘lumps’, bumps and bruises. How we handle them will be a life message in and of itself to those who, unbeknown to us, are looking at us, watching our reactions, and perhaps even wanting to imitate us (or castigate us).
What a frightening and awesome and amazing challenge – and responsibility! Our immediate reaction to this notion is, “No, no! Don’t look at me…I’ll let you down, I’ll blow it!” But the mantle falls on those who know they are nothing in themselves and everything in Christ. “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)
PRAYER ACTION
Give thanks for those who have been examples and models and inspiration in your life. If they are still alive, call them, write them, email them and thank them and appreciate them. At work, give thanks for those who stand up and stand out for ethical and moral integrity and if possible, go to them and encourage them, acknowledge and affirm them.
“You can crawl within and start self-critiquing or you can stand firm knowing you are from authentic intentions and your integrity is sincere enough to be tested by anyone's values.”
(Danielle Maylyn)
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