"...so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, ..." (1 Thessalonians 1:7-9)
Over the past few months there has been a spotlight on what can be called the Professional Athlete Lawbreaker. From doping scandals to murder, much of the evening news these days seem to be focussed on these men that at one stage were good role models and an inspiration to young, up and coming athletes. Their actions have now proved them to not be the innocent and good role models people once believed they were.
Fortunately there are still some good role models left, though they are difficult to find. However, there are some good examples to follow in Scripture, and the believers in Thessalonica are such examples.
Transformed Reputation
It is not certain as to how big the church in Thessalonica was in terms of numbers, but from Paul's words here we see that their testimony was indeed great. Their faith had become well known outside of the city and had spread not only into the surrounding areas of Macedonia and Achaia (modern-day Greece), but also to "every place" that the Gospel was being preached.
Thessalonica was the capital of the area at the time, so it was an important city. When you think of the church in Pretoria, what do you think of in terms of what they are known for? Chances are not much unless you know something about a specific church from having visiting there yourself. The same can be said, I believe, for any capital city in the world. However, the church in Thessalonica had a reputation that far exceeded the reputation of the city itself. Theirs was a reputation so great that Paul did not even need to tell people about it as it was a reputation that preceded them.
Note also that it was not the details of their works, the size of their church, nor the reputation of the teachers that was spreading, but rather their transformed faith from serving idols to serving the One True God.
Our Reputation
Think of any well-known modern church and ask yourself, what are they known for? Is it for the programmes they run or the courses that have come out of them? Is it the size of the congregation or the enormity of their buildings? Is it the modern worship or vibrant youth programmes? Is it the reputation or charisma of the men in charge?
If it is any of these things I tend to worry about the testimony of the church, and I am reminded of the words of Jesus to the church in Sardis in Revelation 3:1, "I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead." Clearly what we consider to be a good testimony about a church, and indeed individual believers too, is not what God considers to be a good testimony.
And what about the testimony of your church? Is it known for things that on the surface seem good, such as sound Biblical teaching, God-honouring worship, Biblical leadership and so on, or is it known for the testimony of faith of its members? Do people want to attend your church simply because you follow sound doctrine, or because they can see the changes in the lives of your church's members? And what about your own personal testimony? Does your reputation of faith precede you?
If your church's testimony, and indeed your own, is not similar to that of Thessalonica then I fear there that something may be amiss.
Just a Thought!
© 2013
