The Holy Martyrs Galaction and Epistemis
1 Thessalonians 2:9-14; Luke 11:14-23
Read 1 Thessalonians 2:9-14
For those of us in ministry, whether ordained or lay, today’s epistle provides two important lessons.
The first lesson concerns our responsibility as ministers. The Apostle Paul spends the first few verses of this reading reminding the Church of the Thessalonians of his care for them. He worked for them day and night, conducted himself blamelessly, and taught them as a father lovingly teaches his son. This teaches us that our duty as ministers is to truly care for those to whom we minister and to set an example of the Christian life by conducting our lives blamelessly. This is remarkably simple, however, it forces us to look beyond ourselves and our selfishness. This can be very difficult. May we always labour in love for those placed under our care!
The second lesson concerns what the fruits of godly ministry look like, namely increased faith and steadfastness. Paul gives thanks that 1) the Thessalonians took the word of God he preached as truly the word of God, and not the word of man and 2) the Thessalonians were convicted in Christ enough to endure sufferings for their faith. For is as ministers, if remain faithful and steadfast, those who look to us for spiritual leadership will become faithful and steadfast. Like the first lesson, this is very simple but very difficult. May we always remain faithful, especially when trials come our way!