“So it looks like we have some new folks in town. I heard they were given a rough time down in Philippi. They were flogged, beaten, and thrown in jail. Judging by their looks, I wouldn’t be surprised if their backs are still bleeding and sore. You have to admire the guys for their stamina and conviction. I’ve not only been listening to their preaching, but I’ve also been spying on them when they’re not preaching. Well, not spying – but I have been watching how they live and what kind of men they really are. They are living right where we live – among us, and I have to tell you, I’m impressed, and so are all our neighbours.”

“Well, that’s impressive. At least they aren’t aloof. I think I saw one of the men working with stuff the other day – perhaps making tents. They’re not sponges! You don’t get the impression they’re here for our money. They preach a compelling message down at the synagogue on Saturdays. That one guy opens their holy book and makes a very convincing and coherent case, historically and prophetically, for us to turn from all that is in our past and to openly embrace Jesus Christ – the One who died and rose again.”

“You are right. That Paul fellow – doesn’t just get up there and rant and rave. He presents his message with power and logical reasoning and explaining – to the point where I myself have been convinced of the message’s truth. The way he presents his case – leaves me with nothing to argue about or dispute. And, his preaching aside, I have to admit, their honest and helpful behaviour, gracious attitude and blameless lifestyle is certainly a breath of fresh air in our dark city. They are staying at Jason’s place, so they are living right among us, and we have been able to watch them up close.”

For a part of their time in Thessalonica, the Gospel Team stayed at Jason’s house. As God worked, opposition grew. An actual riot ensued, and eventually, Paul and his co-workers moved on. (Acts 17) A little while after Paul and his team left Thessalonica, he wrote a letter to encourage and further instruct them. In his opening remarks, he reminds them of when they were first introduced to the Gospel:

“…our gospel came to you not only in word,  but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5

God had worked mightily in Thessalonica. The message was delivered with power. That’s the first part of the verse above, but look at the last sentence. What impact would the message have made had the messengers themselves lacked personal credibility? As important as the message is, never underestimate the critical importance of the credibility of the messenger.

Too often, we share Bible truth with others, but the real truth about our lives is that what we share or say on social media contradicts the Christian message from the Bible. Far better to stop preaching from the Bible until we start living lives and displaying attitudes consistent with the behaviour the world expects to see from a follower of Jesus Christ.

When our online words, including our likes and shares and also our workplace attitudes and words – when our communications fail to convey a humble, mild and gracious Christ-like attitude – when our public persona contradicts Bible teaching on the blameless lives we are to live, then our sharing of the Gospel only creates cynics and drives people towards atheism.

These Gospel workers lived ‘among’ the very people they were trying to reach. And daily, the locals were able to observe ‘what kind of men’ they were. Their lifestyle, behaviour, attitudes, and conduct all added to the weight of the message. The impressions they made on the people they were trying to reach were positive. The locals were being convinced of the reality of transformed lives through Jesus Christ.

Is my life adding weight to the message of Christ? As my friends observe my life, are they impressed that what I have is far different from anything they have ever personally experienced? “Lord, help me today to reflect more of the virtues of Christ to those around me. Help me to be the kind of Christian You can use to draw people to Your Son.”