Integrity

1 Thessalonians 1:5b-6 You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

INTEGRITY is essential to developing trusted, personal relationships. Children more easily obey parents who live by the rules they teach to their children. Communities are more united when neighbors live up to expectations to care for each other and their property. Churches are stronger when its members honor each other.
    Integrity is essential to spread the gospel. As Paul wrote we lived among you for your sake, he affirms the evangelists’ plan was to live among the Thessalonians. They wanted the people to both hear and see what it means to know and follow Jesus. Paul, Silas and Timothy faithfully imitated Jesus, so the Thessalonians could become imitators of the Lord. They were living out Jesus’ teaching: “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
    Be the light. Imitate the light with integrity. New believers in Thessalonica knew how to live the Christian life because Paul, Silas and Timothy truthfully modeled Jesus’ life, even his suffering.
    On another point, suffering is not something we look for, is it? We don’t say, “I’m going out to suffer today, so people will know about Jesus’ suffering.” But suffering is a constant element in our lives. Sometimes the suffering is from disease or accident. Often in the early church and throughout the centuries, suffering is from persecution. As Jesus humbly submitted to the suffering, we are to imitate Jesus with that same humility. Many a story through the ages describe how suffering saints became great catalysts to turn people to Jesus.
    It seems at each stop along the way, Paul and his helpers faced some form of persecution. The Lord proclaimed Paul’s ministry would be marked with suffering: Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man (Paul) is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Those who joyfully suffer for Jesus are bright, shining lights of God’s love, mercy and forgiveness to an unbelieving, hateful world.  
          God commands you to be true to his Word. If you say, “I’m a Christian.” Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22)