Read 1 Thessalonians 1:9

“I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;

I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.

The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear,

Fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear;

And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,

For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.”

Edgar Guest

Example is the best teacher. Are you an excellent example of Christianity?

I had heard the word of God in a Christian church growing up through childhood. But I never tried to put it into practice until the day my wife, Birdie’s mother, passed away from a stroke two years into our marriage. It was what I would call a “wake up call.” I had some knowledge of the Bible but I started putting it into practice, including worship and evangelizing by example.

In the year 51, Thessalonica was a thriving city in Greece. The good news of Jesus Christ rang out in the city. Today it is the second-largest city in Greece after Athens. Paul started his ministry there and he wrote 1 Thessalonians.

He wanted to encourage new Christians (3:3-5) and evangelize the community. How can we do this today?

We can be an excellent example of how to live as a believer in Jesus Christ. We can ask new Christians how they are doing with questions like “How is your spiritual life lately?” or “Have you heard any great sermons or podcasts or Christian songs lately?” I can add: “I have. I heard a sermon recently about how life is too short and we do not want to miss the most important relationship on this planet (2 Cor 13:5) which is a relationship with God.”

We can worship with new Christians and encourage them. Share what is encouraging and inspirational to you. Just be yourself! By encouraging others, you are giving them courage. 

By worshiping with them you are evangelizing by example.

The 12 disciples (without Judas but with Matthias) were witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus, and their goal was to share the gospel of Christ, start new churches and teach sound doctrine.

Can you live and share the gospel with someone today?

Paul had met the resurrected Jesus and was given a commission by Him to be the messenger to the Gentiles in planting churches. We can be messengers today. Are you a messenger?

Paul called himself an apostle. He held to the fact that the church of God was built on Christ as the chief cornerstone and on the apostles as primary foundational stones. He wanted to tell others.

What kind of example are you living? What kind of example are you showing others?

Tom Weckesser