When God Knows Your Heart

“You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

1 Thessalonians 2:10-12

Sometimes our behavior impacts our witness for the Lord. Often when we think of witnessing for the Lord, we naturally think of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. While this is often the case and very important, it is good to remember that how we conduct our daily lives is a witness, too. Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to live lives worthy of God. They, along with believers today, can do this by living a life that reflects three key characteristics.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:10, Paul states that the Thessalonians knew personally from his time with them how he and the missionaries behaved. Paul uses three phrases to describe his conduct among the brethren in Thessalonica. First, he states that their conduct was devout (hosíōs) which means holy. This pictures a person whose character is pleasing to the Lord. Second, Paul states that the missionaries acted in an upright (dikaíōs) manner. This depicts a life that is just, fit, and proper. Finally, Paul states that their lives were blameless (amémptōs). This is often a misunderstood term. Rather than indicating a sinless life, it is describing a life that cannot be rightly charged with wrong conduct.

“Their works were untainted; transparent; authentic; and without reproach in morals, manners, and motives.”[1] 

It is interesting that Paul appeals not only to the Thessalonians’ witness of his conduct, but also to God’s. Before the Lord, Paul’s conscience was clear in how he conducted himself. How could Paul say this? How can you and I say this as we seek to serve the Lord? Paul could do this because God knew his heart. Regardless of what people may think of Paul and his service, he could rest in knowing that God knew his heart. Like Paul, we can rest assured that the Lord will be the one to ultimately evaluate our service (see also 1 Corinthians 4:3-5).

“Paul’s ministry was honorable before God who sees the heart.”[2]

Because our behavior impacts our witness for the Lord, we need to ensure that our conduct is becoming of a servant of Christ. Like Paul and the missionary team, our daily lives should reflect the traits of being devout, upright, and blameless. Furthermore, our service and desire to live this way should flow from a heart that simply desires to please the Lord. How can your life better reflect these characteristics? How can we serve with the right heart?

Lord, one of the things that you have asked is that we witness to others. This can be through sharing the gospel, but my life will reflect something to the lost world around me, too. Help me to serve you in the areas Paul mentions but also rest in knowing that you know my heart’s desire is to honor you. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Steven

[1] David Levy. Israel My Glory – 1 Thessalonians, March/April 2017.

[2] John Walvoord. The Thessalonians Epistles, pg. 39.