“. . . your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3b
Work. Labor. Endurance. What images do these words bring to mind? We’re not talking marshmallows and kitties here. We’re talking rolled-up sleeves, sweat, and long-distance runs. We’re talking effort and strength.
Tasks and qualities like these that take strength and determination won’t happen by accident, will they? Behind the scenes forces such as planning, preparation, and prayer all play a role in carrying out our tasks, achieving our goals, or running the race life has placed before us.
In considering the scripture above, let’s look at the Thessalonian believers to whom the apostle Paul was writing. In spite of the severe suffering they faced (1 Thes. 1:6), they were at work serving God.
Notice the behind-the-scenes activity that Paul mentioned was present in their lives. How was their work produced? By faith. What prompted their labor? Love. What inspired their endurance? Hope. Hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Let’s consider for a moment the behind-the-scenes forces present in our own lives. Among the many influences at work in us personally, is faith playing a key role in the work we do—whether our day-to-day work or our service to God? Is love the motive, the impetus behind our labor? Is hope spurring us on, helping us to endure so we can finish strong?
Let’s learn from the Thessalonian believers and make certain that faith, love, and hope are playing vital behind-the-scenes roles in our work and in our lives. Remember, it won’t happen by accident.
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,” Ephesians 3:16
*What can we do today to strengthen one or more of these qualities in our lives?
9 Things I Love About You
I’m so happy that you drop by and share life with me. Whether you just pop in and read the latest or take time to join the conversation through comments, I want you to know how much I appreciate you. There are a lot of voices out there clamoring for a piece of your time, and I don’t take lightly the fact that you choose to join me here.
So in honor of all-things love this week, here are 9 Things I Love about You :)
1. You visit me! I love that you drop by and see what I’m up to, in writing and in life.
2. You keep visiting me! Yes, you come back time and again, and I love that! :)
3. You let me visit you! You welcome me and share life with me on your blog or on Facebook. So much fun that some of you are my Facebook friends, too.
4. You encourage me with sweet comments, both here and on Facebook. My post Ring On! told you how much your encouragement means to me. It’s priceless.
5. You share insight and wisdom with the comments you leave on my posts. You never know how what you say may impact me or another reader.
6. You show support for me by subscribing to Life Notes, my free inspirational newsletter. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
7. You pray for me and my loved ones as I share needs. What a precious, life-giving gift.
8. You are kind and gracious and fun to be around. Some bloggers have to worry about mean-spirited comments, but you all have such sweet spirits.
9. And finally, somehow I get the feeling that you love me, too! And that warms my heart and makes this week of love even more special.
So there you have it. Hope you leave feeling more loved than when you arrived. Have a great rest of the week!
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
*If you’d like, connect with me on Facebook. If I might not recognize your name, include a note about being one of my blog readers.
*The current issue of Life Notes, my quarterly inspirational newsletter, came out Feb. 1. It’s still not too late to receive it. Sign-up is free and to the right!
*Flickr photo by Pink Sherbet Photography