Living a Life that Brings Respect from your Non Christian Neighbors 31:10

What do your non Christian neighbors see when they see you? What do they think about when they think about you? Notice Paul's words of commendation and exhortation in this area:

Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. 10And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more and more. 11Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. I Thess 4:9-12 (NIV)

Paul commends the Thessalonians for the way they love each other as well as the love they should to other Christians throughout Macedonia! If Paul was writing to you and your Christian community, would he commend you for the love you show each others as well as the extended Christian Community?
He then challenges them to live a quiet life, tending to their own business, working hard so that their lifestyle will engender respect from their non Christian neighbors. Not only do the unbelievers see our quiet and industrious lifestyle but they also notice how the christian community treats each other. In fact, Jesus said: This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 ISV

What do your non Christian neighbors see when they see you? Do they see a person who is living a quiet and respectable life, treating his family and fellow Christians with love and honor? Is what they see turning them away or drawing them to Christ. If our lifestyle makes Jesus look good, then when we open our mouths to speak, our word will have so much more power!

Let's Pray: Thank you for this challenging word today! Forgive me for the times when I have shown a poor image of Christ to my neighbors in my lifestyle or in the way I treat my brothers and sisters. Lord, help me live such a life of integrity, humility and transparency before my nonchristian neighbors, that when I speak your name, they will be eager to listen or else be convicted by your truth. In Jesus Name! Amen!