1 Thessalonians 1-2 (ESV) by Wordle*

Today’s reading is 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:20.

“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2: 8).

This is what being the salt of the earth and light of the world is all about (cf. Matthew 5:13-16). Being the salt of the earth means investing ourselves in the lives of others around us. Being the light of the world means inviting them with the gospel message. I think Paul’s success might be that his desire to share the gospel with others came from a genuine care for them. He didn’t simply see others as a check off on his personal evangelism chart. (Hmmm, let’s see, yes, I met my quota of 5 invitations this week.) He didn’t just desire to preach to someone, he wanted to give himself to them. That means even if they didn’t accept the gospel, he still cared about them. However, because the gospel was part of who he was, it entailed teaching them.

That is the key I have to learn. Make the gospel so much a part of me and care so much about people that I can’t help but bring the two together. Then I’ll be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Then I’ll invest and invite.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

PS. What struck you in today’s reading? To add your input click the following link: Post a comment.

PPS. By the way, this probably stuck out to me because it fits so nicely with my recent sermon: Be Salt and Light-Invest and Invite.