1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

Have you ever been criticized? How did it make you feel? Some people can say very unfair, negative things at times, can’t they? The apostle Paul knew what it was like to be criticized.

In the New Testament church there was a group of people known as the Judaizers who wanted to keep Christianity as a Jewish sect. Since Paul was determined to take the faith to the Gentiles, these Judaizers looked for every opportunity to find fault with him. They accused him of being in the ministry just for the money. That was a joke. Paul continued to support himself as a tent maker after he began his ministry so he wouldn’t be a financial burden on young, struggling Christian congregations. Those who knew Paul best knew he did nothing for his own gain.

These Judaizers also accused him of spreading lies and untruths. Again, they were way off-target. Paul didn’t soft-pedal the Gospel or use flattery upon his hearers. He told it as it was, as we used to say. Still, they criticized.

And so, Paul was forced to defend himself. He writes, beginning with verse 5: “You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed–God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else . . .” Then what was Paul looking for?

The answer lies in the second half of verse 4: “We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” Paul had no interest in pleasing people. Paul lived to please God.

Is it possible to live our lives unaffected by the hurtful or unhelpful opinions of others, unfazed by criticism, and not be carried away by flattery? We can by living to please God. It’s a simple thing. If our primary audience is God, if our primary goal is to have God say at the end of our life, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” then what difference would it make what other people say about us? It would make no difference whatsoever.

Now, how do we live to please God? Paul gave us the answer both in his words and in his life.

First, to please God, we can strive to live with integrity. That’s what Paul did. He says to the church at Thessalonica, “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel . . . You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed. God is our witness.”

Paul lived a life of integrity. Living a life of integrity is more than simply keeping the commandments. There are many people of whom it could be said they’ve never killed anyone, never stolen, never committed adultery. That doesn’t mean they live a life of integrity. Keeping the commandments is an outward act. Living a life of integrity comes from within.

Integrity is honesty. It is an uncompromising commitment to be truthful and trustworthy.

Let’s also live a life of love. Paul writes, “We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. Even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”

The reason Paul had such an impact on the churches he served was because the people knew he genuinely cared about them. As has been often said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Paul cared.

Paul had a direction for his life. And neither his critics nor those who tried to veer him off-course with flattery or lies could make a dent in his contribution. He knew what it took to live a life pleasing to God, living a life of integrity and love.

How can we make God look good today? How can we live to please God? The answer is simple: By the grace of God may we live a life of integrity and love.

•••

Rev. Charles Eldredge is a member of Maitland Church of the Brethren. He has a Facebook page and can be contacted by email: ce1133@verizon.net.