Your Neighbor is a Person, Not a Prospect
Win Respect – Part 2

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:3-12

Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:12

…so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

In 1 Thessalonians 4 the apostle spends some time telling us of the second coming of Jesus Christ.  It seems to me that the apostle would be in the frame of mind to really challenge his readers to get people ready for this second coming.  How does he do it?  Paul writes about living a quiet life.  He challenges believers to mind their own business.  He reminds the church of Jesus Christ to work, so it won’t be dependent on anybody.

As we pray about being a strong witness for Christ—and I think we should pray daily for this—let’s not forget the basics of the Christ-filled life!  God does the calling of His children.  The Father is the One who enables unbelievers to believe (John 6:65).  Our job description is to live out our lives in purity. Read the suggested additional reading for yesterday and today’s devotional.  It reminds us to avoid sexual immorality; to control our body in a way that is holy and honorable.  It warns us to wrong no one or take advantage of anyone!  In other words, walk the walk.  Preach Jesus more from your lifestyle than your lips.  This will win their respect.  Living out our faith will automatically keep us from treating people as sales prospects.  Christ like living will love people because God loves them.  It will love people like God loves them.  This wins our world for Christ!

Father, please flow through me today.  Help me to love people, even if they reject you and faith.  I want to be an authentic Christ follower.  In Jesus’ name, amen.