Scripture Prompt
Why In The World Are You Smiling?
Are you not paying attention?
My Men’s Bible Study and Fellowship small group recently pondered what a Christian’s outlook on life should be. Should a follower of Christ be a pessimist or optimist was the question our facilitator posed for our consideration.
We concluded pessimism seems justified when we look at the situation of the world today. But, when we remember the Biblical assurances that our good and just God will have the ultimate victory, optimism is the logical attitude.
The early church in Thessalonica may have shared the sense that the world around them was falling apart. No doubt they had seen how cruel and wicked the world could be. A letter from the apostle Paul makes it clear, he knows the Thessalonians have been keeping the faith.
We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, (1 Thessalonians 1: 2–3, NASB)
Paul wants them to keep doing what they’re doing. He encourages them, in the subsequent passages, by pointing out the good reputation they have established (1 Thessalonians 1:7–8) and pointing out examples…
