My mantra over the years has been, “control what you can control”. Of course, we know that when it comes to changing the heart of every student in our school, it is outside of our control. However, I do believe there are some things we can control that could help us see the desired outcome we want in the hearts of our students.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13, Paul models what I believe to be three things that could help capture the hearts of our students.
First, Paul demonstrated a sincere affection for the people in the church.
- “Proved to be gentle among you”
- “Having so fond of affection for you”
- “Well pleased to impart to you…our own lives”
Second, Paul lived his life in a way that was consistent and Christ-like.
- “Devoutly, uprightly, and blamelessly we behaved”
- “Exhorting, encouraging, and imploring”
- “Never came with flattering speech”
- “Did not seek glory from men”
Third, Paul consistently testified to the gospel of God.
- “Well-pleased to impart to you…the gospel of God”
- “Proclaimed to you the gospel of God”
- “We had boldness in God to speak the gospel”
Of course, there is no guarantee that these things will draw a young person to the saving knowledge of Christ. However, I do believe that as our words, actions, and affections honor Christ, there is a better chance that God will use these things in the lives of our students. We see this in how the people responded to Paul’s life:
“We constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”
May God use your love, actions, and words to draw others to Christ, today!
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