1 Thessalonians 2:1-4 "For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: (2) But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. (3) For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: (4) But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts."
Is it worth it? With all the problems and troubles that accompany it, is
it really worth it? With all the rejection and lack of interest, is it worth
it? I suppose "it" depends on what "it" is, as to
whether or not "it is worth it". I see a lot of
attitudes in the world today that say, if you don't appreciate what I'm doing,
then I won't "do it" anymore. Or, if I don't receive some kind
of gratitude from others, then I won't "do it" anymore. Or, if
I do not receive in like manner what I'm doing for someone else, then I won't
"do it" anymore because "it" just isn't "worth
it" if I do not receive something out of it also. Can you imagine what
this world would be like, if God took that approach with us? Can you
imagine how much crazier life would be if God said, "They didn't even say
thank you; therefore, I'm not going to be gracious to them anymore."?
If Paul had allowed the ingratitude of the Philippians to cause him to stop
serving the Lord, there would be no letter to the Thessalonians. If Paul and
Silas had said, "They put me in prison. What kind of gratitude is
that? I don't need this kind of attitude toward me," then there
would be no letter to the Romans, Ephesians, or Corinthians. Well over half of
the New Testament would not have been written. (I'm not discounting the power
of the Holy Spirit to move another to do it, but as it stands - the Apostle
Paul was the one ordained to do the writing.)
Paul is commending the Thessalonians for the manner in which they received the
Word of God and had turned from idolatry to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
He was commending them that their word of faith had been heard in other places
and their labour of love for the Lord Jesus Christ had motivated them to serve
others. They knew of Paul's struggles. They knew he had been put in prison in
Philippi and shamefully treated by others - simply because he was doing what
the Lord had placed on his heart to do. Why would he be so diligent in
continuing even though many people and many cities had violently rejected his
teaching concerning the grace of God in Christ Jesus?
First, he tells us his preaching "was not in vain." Even though
many people did not believe the message, some did believe. Even though many had
not turned away from idols, some had turned. I believe Paul took the approach
that "it would be worth it" even if only one person received the
message of Jesus Christ and was turned from the things of the world. Why would
he hold to that attitude, that approach, to preaching the Gospel of redemption
through the blood of Jesus Christ? He was not trying to please men;
rather, He was seeking to please God. It seems to me, that if anyone
takes the approach of "what's in it for me", then their eyes have
been taken off the Lord God Almighty and have been turned toward self.
May we be more motivated by pleasing God than by pleasing men and simply
looking at the outcome. May we realize that even speaking the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ is a great blessing as "we are allowed of God to be put
in trust" with such a sacred name.