1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 Good Works

For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. [1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 NASB]

The Thessalonians were vocal about Jesus. This is in spite of the fact that the church was born in the midst of persecution. The Jews became jealous that Gentiles were being saved, and rousing the whole city, they had Jason, the Gentile who was hosting Paul, arrested. Paul left the city, but the persecution continued. In spite of that, the Thessalonian church thrived.

What the world saw was a people who used to worship idols, but now worship only the one true and living God. They saw a people who were living their lives in anticipation and hope that Jesus would return. They saw a people who were full of joy because they had been rescued from God's wrath.

When you commit yourself to Jesus, it's not like joining a club. If you are out drinking and carousing with your buddies, and you tell them, "Oh, by the way, I'm a member of the Kiwanis Club." They will likely say "That's nice." or "So what?"

If you are out drinking and carousing with your buddies and say, "Oh, by the way, I'm a Christian." They will not say, "Hey, this Christian is pretty cool." Much more likely, they will say, "That guy's a total hypocrite." Don't try to be a "cool" Christian. James said;

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. [James 1:27 NASB]

When you commit yourself to Jesus, there should be a change that the world sees. Jesus said;

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. [Matthew 5:16 NASB]

Our good works don't save us. They don't earn us favor with God. Paul said;

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. [Ephesians 2:8-10 NASB]

Look at the world around you. It is full of people in need. If you look at all the needs in the world, it can be overwhelming. So don't think about trying to fix the world, just see what you can do.

Not everybody can be a missionary and minister to the poor people in third world countries. But you may be able to contribute such a ministry. It is likely that there are ministries and programs in your own community for the poor. Perhaps, you can take the time to help.

There are a very few people who can devote their lives to ministering to the less fortunate. Most of us don't have that privilege. But we can help support the people who do. 

We can also do good works wherever we are. A kind word to the cashier at the grocery store may brighten someone's day. Try being extra helpful to a coworker who is struggling to complete a task. You never know what kind of impact a little kindness may have.

Lord, I pray for opportunities to serve, so that my light will shine, and the world will see You.