"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 (NLT)
Idols. I never really payed much attention to how people in the media are called idols. People would say, "Oh, so and so is my idol." which means that is who they look up to. Most times I don't even think of it as some type of worshiping thing but after reading about idols in the middle it doesn't sound like a good word. So now, I don't call people idols at all. I simply say they have talent and admire that talent. It's not something I want and even if I did want it I know I wouldn't be able to acquire it. The word idol is used very loosely in my opinion.
"We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too." 2:8 (NLT)
Talking about the Good News with people is a good way to start a very good relationship. If two people are talking and enjoying speaking about the News then they more than likely have a lot in common. This is building up strong relationships on a solid foundation, God. Honestly, this is something a bit difficult for me because I'm a very timid person who feels awkward in conversation. Even if I do speak I worry that I will say something wrong or incorrect. When I was talking with my father, who is searching for a religion/faith, I tried to explain to him. Our relationship is very close and we talk about a lot but when it came down to telling him about my faith and belief in God and why I'm a follower of Christ, I can't say anything. I worry that I will speak incorrect things about the Bible or mislead him because I'm still very young in my faith. (I don't know enough to tell him.) I've been praying that I will be able to talk to my father and cousin about my faith and that when I do they will seriously be ready for it.
This ending of chapter two really caught me. It's something makes me worry a lot because I already still have this worry about people 'judging' me and/or saying that I'm saying/doing is wrong. "And then, dear brothers and sisters, you suffered persecution from your own countrymen." 2:14 That verse basically said that even fellow followers and believers in Christ will oppose you, not just family and friends who may not be a follower. It doesn't make any sense to me because if we are all followers of Christ then we should all have an understanding of how it works, but we don't. This is the one thing that can be very discouraging, and I always have to remind myself that everyone is at their own point of their walk with God. Just a few days ago I was watching a video of someone talking about his faith and telling the truth. I usually never comment on videos but after watching it I felt moved to write that he was a great encouraging person for what he speaks about. I also wrote to not worry about what others may put if it's negative because someone is comforted and encouraged by your words and those are the people that truly count.
I love this one and is a verse that came to me just recently through my mother. It also has to do with the last two paragraphs I wrote. (About worrying about what I say and persecution/being opposed.) "God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who's gives the Holy Spirit to you." 4:8 (NLT) Wow, I totally forgot about this, actually. Instead of worrying about what I say or being opposed I need to remember what Paul and my mother have said. That people are not opposing or disagreeing with me, but with God. Yeah, I really need to have that verse stuck in my head.
That is the end to my reading. I'm really happy about that last thing I wrote on. I was told about it by my mother some time ago and I even read and highlighted it but didn't understand it completely until I reflected on it myself. :) Tomorrow is 2 Thessalonians.
No comments:
Post a Comment