Thursday, 17 July 2014

Our glory and joy

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.  – 1 Thessalonians 2.19-20

The 'ministry' is not always easy. I say 'ministry' that way because in reality every believer is in the ministry. The context here is speaking to those in a vocational ministry, but the lessons contained are for everyone who is serving the Lord in any way.

The ministry is often not going to lead to fame and fortune or glory. There is not normally a lot to rejoice in when it comes to earthly gains or fame. Most of us will never write a book or make much of a real visible impact on the world. Most of us will never be known much outside our immediate circle. We are not going to find any glory in those things.

Earlier Paul wrote about pouring his life for the believers in Thessalonica. They were his focus, not fame or fortune or popularity or anything else.

Our hope is not in things, but in loving people.
Our joy does not come in earthly pursuits, but in loving people.
Our glory is not in fame and fortune, but in loving people.

Our lives should be all about loving others. They are our hope. They are our joy. They are our glory.


Others Lord, yes others, let this our motto. Help me to live for others that I live like thee. 

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