As mentioned in our last visit, we need to be sure our Christian teachers and mentors show their commitment by the way they live. In 1st Thessalonians 2:10-11 Paul reminds them that like fathers before their own children they lived holy, righteous and blameless lives. In other words, they practiced what they instructed and expected in their children.
Paul uses three words to describe this process of a father training his children. The first word in verse 12, encouraged, suggests they need to learn how to act decisively. The next word, comforting, indicates Paul was aware of the challenges they faced and where they were spiritually. He realized they needed this comfort when in spite of their efforts, they felt they failed, or when the obstacles and opposition seemed overwhelming.
He followed up on this reprieve, by urging them, to recognize God called them into His kingdom and glory, and they needed to press on, even when the going got rough. Christians are not to be wimps. They are to courageously go forth to win the battle, no matter what they faced.
Our Christian teachers and mentors should provide thorough teaching on what we need to know and believe. They should also encourage applying what was learned to daily living. They should model in their own lives what they expect those they are training to experience and express in their lives. Is this happening in your Christian experience? Do a reality check.
