5)
For our gospel came not
unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much
assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
6)
And ye became followers of
us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of
the Holy Ghost.
7)
So that ye were ensamples
to all that believe in
8)
For from you sounded out
the word of the Lord not only in
9)
For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and
how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
10)
And to wait for his Son
from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from
the wrath to come.
|
A |
ll
who are in the business of improving the condition of Man find one of their
greatest difficulties in getting that man to accept the responsibility of being
an example to others. Particularly in this day, there are many "role
models" in our society and others. Whereas in times past, this term
referred to "good" examples, today, there need be neither anything
"good" nor model-worthy about one who is emulated.
The
responsibility incurred with being a role model is not welcomed by all.
Sometimes, this actually makes a better "model," for one is not
trying to advance oneself. You see, people often have a problem with the
"forefront," for not only is nothing about oneself hidden, it also
makes one a "target." What we, as saints, fail to see is that
"notoriety" calls more attention to Jesus, Himself.
It
would seem that those the worst afflicted with "anti-spotlightitis"
are those involved in the ministry. Generally, no one finds it hard to tell
others what to do-and we can even bon "on" it, but most are not
willing to add credence to what we profess by adhering to the "letter of
the law."
The
devil would have us believe that only by being in certain "positions"
is one subjected to personal "heat." This, of course, deceives us
into trying to "avoid" certain "jobs" in the church. The
greater part of this deception is that there is nothing we do in which we are
not an example. Because we belong to the Lord, at all times, in all things, we
are being "watched." We have absolutely no idea how many people are
watching us and whether they are watching us for good or band.
We
must come to accept that there is no place to hide from the Lord and our
responsibility. Not only does the Lord see all, but others see all-whether that
be good or bad. It is not as if the Lord has left us by ourselves in this, for
in His omniscience, He has provided us His word that it might be possible for
us to be an example.
What
is the primary reason that the Lord wants us to be so "visible?" It
is because salvation is "orchestrated" to make use of those who have
partaken of the gift of God. Just look at what a problem Man has with relating
to a God of Spirit. Even after we are saved, some of our biggest problems come
because we try to relate everything to the natural, out of our inability to
extend to the spiritual. There would be no one won to the Lord outside of
others seeing the plan of salvation being put into action in our lives. Is it
not through Jesus, Himself, that men saw their need of God and were won to Him?
If
we are not willing to be a representative of Jesus and all that He is and does,
we are going to have to stop many f our testimonies and professions. You see,
Jesus can either solve all of our problems or we will have to stop talking
about that He is so "able."
When we accept the call of the Lord, we have no choice but to accept the responsibility of being save. You see, regardless of whether we are willing to accept the responsibility or not, when one is saved, he will have an effect on others-it is simply up to you whether that effect be good or bad.