My apologies to Randy for not teasing the next read that I had, but I think that you can figure out the next!

As my journey and education of the Living Word continues, it is interesting to view the effect on my posts. After reading Velvet Elvis, I am more putting in to context the environment that the Apostles were in when this was written. But, with that being said, I am always looking at the Good News as it is relevant today. With that being said:

Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship, we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 1 Thessalonians 2:9 (NIV)

As this is one of Paul’s first letters, he is not in prison and he is reminding the folks of Thessalonica that they did not come like the Roman Empire Caesars looking for money, but to spread the word of God. It wasn’t about the money. And it isn’t today, but how many times have you heard people say that the church is just out to get their money? As I make plans for this site, there will be no solicitations. There may be ads, but no donation buttons! Even so, it’s about discussing the Good News.

And about work:

This should be your ambition: to live a quite life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NLT)

Now some interpretation of mine comes in here. Does this mean I am trying to spin things in the Bible? No. In fact, this is a letter that Paul wrote with guidance from God. And I believe what he was saying, in this social environment, was not to be one of the idol teachers and to follow the Word of God by working hard and being humble. What I get from this is that we should work with the Glory of God and do the best that we can. Then we should just keep on doing what we have been without bragging about how you did it. Because “you” didn’t do it, God gave you the ability to do it. Then others will see the “light” of God shining through you, not you. At least that is what I try to do…

But let us who live in the light think clearly, protected by the body armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NLT)

Man, this verse is cool. Yep, evil will try to take us down when we do find success, but we have some pretty awesome protection. Plus, I have always believed (even before hitting the Bible hard) that my faith would show through in these actions. Paul speaks of working hard and helping those that can’t help themselves in this book. I have been trying to do that my whole life and I am constantly amazed at how this Book centuries later speaks to that and everything else in the world today. Read on…

Next up: 2 Thessalonians

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