While proclaiming the gospel, Paul was very careful to display the utmost integrity so that no one could accuse him of wrong motives or taking advantage of those to whom he preached. More importantly, Paul was very careful to be faithful to the message. He was seeking God’s approval, not that of men. But what was his conduct towards those who responded to the gospel? How did he behave towards those who were converted to Christ as a result of his preaching? In his first inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Thessalonica, chapter 2, verses 6 through 12 he writes, “…we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children. Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us. For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail; for working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the Good News of God. You are witnesses with God, how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe. As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a father does his own children, to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own Kingdom and glory.”
When we work at a job or provide a service to someone, we expect to be paid for it. The same is true for religious leaders. In fact, this is a divine principle. Scripture says, “…the Lord ordained that those who proclaim the Good News should live from the Good News.” (1 Corinthians 9:14) In view of this, there can be no doubt that Paul had the right to receive compensation for preaching the gospel. He did not want, however, for anyone to get the wrong impression that the reason he preached was to get money, or that he considered what he was doing as merely a job rather than a ministry. In another place he writes, “…Nevertheless we did not use this right, but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the Good News of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 9:12) Though he had the right, he refused to be a burden to the followers of Christ at Thessalonica. Instead, he treated them like a mother caring for her children. Like a good mother, Paul was gentle, he was caring, he nurtured those to whom he ministered.
What is the basis for the care a mother lavishes on her children? It is her love for them. This was the kind of love which Paul had for those who followed Christ. It is easy to give material possessions. It is much harder to give of oneself. Paul not only gave the gospel without cost, he was also willing to give of his life. In this he was following the example of Christ who said, “…the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
A mother’s work is not easy. She works many long, hard, hours in order to meet the needs of her family. Paul writes that he worked night and day on behalf of the people to whom he proclaimed the gospel at Thessalonica. He did this so he would not be a burden to them.
Paul not only nurtured the followers of Christ at Thessalonica like a mother, but also taught them like a father. One of the characteristics of a good father and teacher is that he is someone to look up to. He is someone whose example the children wish to follow. What are the characteristics which Paul displayed? He writes that he was holy, righteous and blameless. These attributes are the attributes of Christ. In another place Paul writes, “Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) This claim to be following Christ’s example was not an empty boast. This was not merely Paul’s own evaluation of his character. In stating what his character was, he appeals both to the personal experience of the people to whom he is writing and to God as well. Paul’s claim to a Christlike character could withstand the test of examination. When people look at us do they see Christ in us? If someone were to follow our example, would it lead them closer to Christ?
In teaching as a father, Paul gave each one of the converts personal attention. This means that he taught each one in a way which fit their individual needs and temperament. What was his method? He writes that he exhorted or encouraged, he comforted and he implored or urged. Notice that Paul did not threaten or scold. Some fathers try to intimidate or bully their children into doing what they want, but this was not Paul’s way. He recognized that force can compel a surface obedience but not from the heart. He could be strict, especially with those who were deliberately sinning or who were testing his authority, but he was always gentle and understanding with those who wanted to do what is right. Harshness towards those with willing hearts only breeds resentment and rebellion. What kind of fathers or teachers are we? Are we harsh? Do we intimidate? Or, are we gentle and understanding like Paul?
The goal of training is just as important as the method of teaching which is employed. The best instructors and the best teaching methods are useless if what is taught is of little value. What was the goal of Paul’s teaching? What did he hope to accomplish? It was that the converts would “ walk worthily of God” (NIV, “live lives worthy of God”). This is a good standard by which to judge all religious instruction. Is it something which the student can put into practice in his life to draw him closer to God? Will it make him more like Christ?
This raises a question. Why should we attempt to live worthy lives? It is because God calls us into his kingdom. Citizens of a country are expected to act and talk in ways which will bring honor to their country. In the same way, if we belong to God’s kingdom, the way we live our lives should exhibit and reflect the values and standards of His kingdom.
God not only calls us into His kingdom, He also calls us into glory. This is, perhaps, one of the most amazing things about God. Through Jesus Christ, He not only gives us the opportunity to be forgiven, but He also allows us to share in His own divine glory and nature. He calls, it us up to us to respond.