I Thessalonians 2:5 NKJV
For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness.
I Thessalonians 2:5 NKJV
Paul and his gospel companions were not after the approval of men; they were not after gaining the trust of the people, nor having their own hidden agendas, but they carried themselves with integrity, preaching the pure gospel of Christ.
Compromising to suit the hearers is not part of their preaching and teaching; however, they spoke the word of God in love as it is revealed in the life of Christ our Lord.
Paul knew that if they gave in, even a little inch of compromise of the word of God, it would lead to misleading generations from the real truth. The gospel is the power of God to all who believe.
Compromising it will cause the people to lose the power of God and live only with the form of godliness.
Today, rituals have set in; people are after religion and not relationship. They want to come in, pay their dues, spend 2 hours in church and live the rest of their lives with the program they have set in their heart.
The church in the book of Acts was a living epistle. It meant each believer displayed the word of God and their lifestyle speaks of Christ and His resurrection power.
Relationship requires our life; it requires our heart and our whole being to be involved in it. It requires commitment, dedication and faithfulness.
God's people need to come back to a relationship with God, back to commitment and to be faithful to live out Christ our Lord.
Many leaders have led people to do church that pleases the hearers, no challenges, no commitment and no responsibility. But Paul and his companions gave everything to preach Christ and Him crucified.
What does our relationship with Jesus look like?
How strong is our relationship with God and how much of us is actually in Him?
It is not about regularly attending church service, prayer meetings or Bible studies but it is about growing into the beautiful image and likeness of God.
Let us keep the message true that reflects Christ our Lord and His plans for our lives.
Live in the blessings,
Ps Ambrose