20 Dec January 31st Daily Devotion

 A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S FIRST LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT THESSALONICA

WIN THE RESPECT OF OUTSIDERS

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 “ . . . make it your ambition to lead a quiet life . . . mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders . . . “

Solomon wrote, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” (Proverbs 22:1)  Paul wrote to the Romans, “Let us behave decently . . . clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ . . . “ (Romans 13:13-14) And, St. Paul warned Timothy, “He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.” (1 Timothy 3:7)

Your personal goal, as a Christian, is to “win the respect of outsiders.”  The purpose for this goal is through your quiet life, work ethic and humility to have the respect of those who are not Christians.  This lifestyle will flow out of your love for your neighbor and their respect will give you opportunity to witness to them your faith in Jesus Christ. (Acts 1:8) Peter wrote, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12)

Once again today’s devotional verses remind you that “You are not your own;  you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:20) In emulating St. Paul’s life, “Christ will be exalted in (your) body, whether by life or by death.  For to (you), to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:20)

“Make it your ambition,” today’s devotional verse says, to win the respect of non-Christians, those who are critical of Christianity, those who are quick to find fault with your life.  In this way you are fulfilling the Royal Law (recent devotion,) giving glory to God, and giving your witness about your faith and trust in Jesus. “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13)

Prayer:  Fill me, O Lord, with ambition to lead a quiet life, minding my own business and working with my own hands so that my daily life may win the respect of non-believers.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Take my life and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;

Take my moments and  my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love;

Take my feet and let them be

Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing

Always, only for my King;

Take my lips and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold, Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my intellect and use

Ev’ry pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it Thine,

It shall be no longer mine;

Take my heart, it is Thine own,

It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take me love, my Lord, I pour

At Thy feet its treasure store;

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for thee.

(LSB 783)