DIFFERENT TIME/SAME CHALLENGES

“Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money”  - 1 Thessalonians 2:5

I grew up here in the Charlotte area. One of the more vivid memories I have from my teen years was the rise and fall of the tv evangelist who made a fortune manipulating people with twisted scriptures and fake tears. It left a deep impression on me and led me to a lifelong commitment to make sure people know this is about giving Jesus their life, not the preacher their money. People really seemed to up their cynicism after a few weeks of the money-grabbers being all over the airwaves. It made sharing Jesus just that much more of a challenge. Its in the Bible too, this struggle to overcome the cynicism sown by con men. That’s what Paul was addressing to the people of Thessalonica. 

So whats this got to do with you?  Three things:

1. Remember there’s nothing new under the sun (ok tech is kinda but that’s another story) so what you get worked up about is probably right there in the Bible - as are your answers.
2. People are cynical today - and they were when the Bible was written too. Take a breath, and move right along.
3. If you have to defend your good motives to people, its just part of the process of living as salt and light in a fallen world. The Good News can sound too good to some people - just follow Paul’s lead and keep right on insisting that the Good news really is THAT good.

Paul had an additional thought on all of this in 1 Corinthians 4:

• As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due. - 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 (NLT) 

So if you’re dealing with sourpuss cynics today, relax, take a breath… and get on it. They may have a point or two, sure, but don’t get discouraged along the way. Leave it to Jesus to sort it all out in the end - you just keep being His person right there where you are today!

Spark - flame - maintain.