‘A Reputation to be Gained’

Daily Devotional – Wednesday, August 25, 2021

"Now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don’t need to tell them about it, for they keep talking about the wonderful welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve the living and true God.” (1 Thessalonians 1:8-9)

The Church congregation that existed in Thessalonica was one of many that the Apostle Paul started. As I was again reading Paul’s first letter to this church, I was struck by the resilience of this group of believers, how faithful to the message about Jesus they continued to be with minimal help from seasoned believers and how word of their works of service and their loyalty to God was spreading far and wide. What a wonderful example of what a church—a group of people fully committed to God—can be. And it’s obvious, as Paul continues to write, that this has not always been his experience. He had been concerned that in his absence they would have returned to their old ways; but a report by Timothy after his visit to Thessalonica, prompts Paul’s letter in which you can hear the relief and joy in his voice as he commends them for their continued faithfulness. Theirs is a reputation every congregation of the Church should strive for!
​
What is our reputation today as the Church? Often, not so commendable. And we should not too quickly dismiss that fact. Our reputation is a direct reflection on God, for the simple fact that we claim to be His followers. But when we aren’t following well, those outside of the Church will still use our actions to judge our Saviour. Where we aren’t true reflections of Jesus, we need to confess our errors and begin again with a new determination to be a credit to God’s Kingdom. Yes, there will be times when we will be looked down on for our belief in God, but may we never be guilty of earning a poor reputation by slipping back into the old patterns of this life from which we have experienced Jesus’ rescue.
~ Pastor Jane