We’ve been studying 1st Thessalonians 4:1-12 for a few days now. We learned that we should live to please God, verse 1, and win the respect of outsiders, verse 12. To do this we need to be sanctified in four areas of behavior: sexually, socially, spiritually and vocationally. This doesn’t mean there are no other areas to live an exemplary life. But if we are faithful in these four areas we likely will be faithful in those areas as well.
Paul is teaching here in the same way Jesus did in emphasizing the first command, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Then He added a second, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). Paul said we should practice brotherly love (1st Thessalonians 4:9-10). If we already are, then we should do so more and more. We can do this because, as Christians, we have been taught by God to love each other.
This agape love about which we have been taught is provided for us by a work of the Holy Spirit. He continuously pours this love into our hearts. If we are truly sanctified we will be like an artesian well with the love of God spreading out of our lives in gracious, exemplary behavior that pleases God and wins the respect of outsiders.
In other words, informed, surrendered and obedient believers will make a positive impact on the world around them. Does this describe your life? Do a reality check!