As a Father

1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
 
PAUL may seem to have a high opinion of himself, Silas and Timothy as he characterized their relationship with the Thessalonians as holy, righteous and blameless. This seems contrary to his words in Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
    But we must remember Paul is defending the ministry team against people who were trying to dismiss their motives and purpose for ministering the gospel. Paul reminds the Thessalonians they personally witnessed how Paul, Silas and Timothy were faithful to God’s purpose.
    When Paul says they are holy, he is not saying they are perfect. Instead, he’s speaking a fact of their relationship with God. One who is holy is one God has set apart into his Kingdom. Each Cristian is holy as God has redeemed us. We can describe ourselves as holy, set apart to claim Jesus as Lord and Savior.
    To be righteous is to have an attitude of obedience to God’s law. This is not perfect behavior. None of us live perfectly. But it is a mindset to learn and know God’s law, so we can strive to obey it in the power of God. It’s important to show the world you are righteous as you make decisions about what is right and wrong. In a like manner, to be blameless before the Thessalonians was to live among them without accusation. There was nothing the evangelists did that harmed the Thessalonians.
    This is Paul’s defense, and it is also an example of a father’s care. Note he wrote, “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children.” Amid Paul’s defense, he offers a powerful lesson on fatherhood and on leadership. A good father is one whom God has set apart. The father is to live a righteous life, intent upon following God’s law. A good father is to be blameless in his relationships with his children. A godly father seeks God’s counsel, so he can live in joyful peace with his family. This is also meant for spiritual fathers. Many church leaders can use this as practical instruction for relationships within the church.
    Holy, righteous and blameless parents and leaders will also be encouraging, comforting and urging others to live lives worthy of God. One can’t urge others to live worthy of God if one is not living a life worthy of God.
    To make disciples of Jesus Christ, one must speak plainly of the gospel. And it is also necessary to live into the spoken words. One strong theme throughout Paul’s epistles is the admonition to live what you say. Speak and live the difference, so people will know.