Do You Epitomize Jesus?

Daily Devotional – Saturday, December 2, 2023
Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.
1 Thessalonians 1:8 (NKJV)

Paul and his fellow missionaries were proud of the Thessalonians. There was a unique quality about these believers. It had to do with what other people were saying. While the people of Thessalonica had received the gospel in much affliction, they had become model Christians.

Exemplifying Christ

The tribulations they faced did not dampen their spirits. Rather, it made them joyful and eager to serve the Lord. Indeed, they became good examples to the Christians in Macedonia, Achaia, and the rest of the world in the First Century.

In particular, the Thessalonians had been fast in turning away from idols to serve the living and true God. They were now eagerly waiting for the Second Advent of Jesus. Their conversion was genuine and evident to all.

Living Illustrations of the Gospel

In commending the Thessalonians, Paul observed, “Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.” (1 Thessalonians 1:8). It was unnecessary for Paul and his associates to cite these believers as the epitome of Christianity.

These Christians were walking sermons. They stood out from the crowd in a world where idolatry was the norm. Their transformation was evident to all and sundry. Once they decided to follow Jesus, they did not turn back.

Do You Epitomize Jesus?

As we reflect on Paul’s depiction of the Thessalonians, we must ask ourselves, “What do people say about us? Do we exemplify Christ? Can people far and wide testify about us that we are sincere and devout Christians?”

We can only answer in the affirmative if we have forsaken all to follow Jesus. If people around us can see, hear, and feel Jesus in us, then we epitomize Christianity. If the Spirit of God is transforming us daily, people will notice, and they will desire to walk with Jesus like us.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, come and dwell in me so that I may epitomize You.