1 Thess. 2:5-10

                                  opportunity

What tactics do you use when you want to get people to do something?  _____________________________________________________________________ 

Paul lays out for us his four typical tactics from which Christians should depart:

1.        Flattering words:  manipulating people by using words which are insincere, but will make them feel good, and be more likely to comply with our wishes.

2.        Cloak for covetousness:  using the gospel message, or spiritual authority for the sake of securing personal gain and/or profit. 

3.        Glory from men:  speaking and behaving in a way that obtains the approval and praise of other people.

4.        Demands as apostles:  using seniority, vast or intimate experience as a license for control over other people.

Paul’s approach is, and has been over the course of time, proven to render lasting impact.  What is that approach?  Sincere love.  What does this look like, and how does it compare to the above list?  It is:

       1.  Gentle:  this is the kind of gentleness that is symbolized by a nursing mother cherishing her own children.

       2.  Sharing the Gospel:  GOOD news is what is imparted to those who will listen

       3.  Sharing own lives:  remaining open and accessible to any and all who desire to draw near for the sake of learning and knowing more of the Lord Jesus.

       4.  Laboring so as not to be a burden:  not assuming that others can and will be able to cover our physical needs, but taking responsibility and using our strength to provide what we can

This latter list can be summarized as devout, just, and blameless.  These behaviors are God-focused, receiving grace and giving grace, forgiving and being forgiven.

How would you evaluate your own ways of trying to motivate people?  When it is the end of the day, is your conscience clear regarding how you have interacted with, and treated others?  Which of these lists is more typical of your own behavior?  

Today God is allowing you to live, to breathe, to read this little devotional thought.  You are not set on an island by yourself. He has given you the gift of “today”, and the gift of other people in your life.  It is your choice how you will use this opportunity.  I pray you will be motivated by the sincere love of other people in your life, and that your sincere love will motivate others.

Read and Pray:  Proverbs 26:28, Hebrews 13:5-6, Luke 14:27-28,  Philippians 3:14-17