1 Thessalonians 5:14

Scripture: 

1 Thessalonians 5:14 - We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone (NASB). 

Observation:

I heard two messages recently about sharing Christ. Both preachers I heard spoke of getting outside of ourselves and sharing Christ. It is easier, you know, to sit back and be served than it is to go out and serve others, but that is not what Jesus did. He lived His life serving those around Him and even today, as He sits in glory, He sits there as our advocate - on our behalf. Have we ever thought about going outside our comfort zone to those in need? We can all make excuses to sit and stay comfortable but that's not what He has called us to do. I'll never forget the story my dad told me. He was at work at the firehouse, when a man came in and needed to use the bathroom. So my dad showed him where it was and the man asked if my dad could help him. You see this man had no arms. My dad helped him and it is here that I began to understand how far we must go to help others. My dad shared more than most would have that day, and I know he did it for what Christ has done for him. I wonder how far we are willing to go or do for Christ.  

Application:

• Personal Application: Continue spending time with the Lord daily. Sow righteousness and reap the fruit of God's unfailing love.
• Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Ask them if anything spoke to them as you read. Talk about their answers and show them that one important aspect of this chapter is that we continue to spend time with the Lord and keep our hearts focused on His plans and purposes. Pray for them.

TOM SEMBER has been involved in ministering to men for over 20 years. He is an ordained minister with the AG in the NY Ministry Network.