Approved - 1 Thessalonians 2

….we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6

We speak as men approved by God…that is a pretty weighty thought right there. If you can imagine, the Sovereign God saved you and me and His way of promulgating the Gospel, is to entrust it to the very entity that’s hope was the Gospel….and on….and on…..and on….

Paul’s point is that, as representatives of the Gospel, we aren’t suppose to just do what’s right on the outside….but our hearts should bear witness to our actions. For instance….a lot of people love the outward symbols of faith, the Ichthus (the little fishy on the car), the Christians T-shirts (His Pain My Gain), and the cross around the neck….even pro football players, quick to “thank God for letting us win”….there is nothing WRONG with any of these things….but they should be in line with your heart.

An interesting fact that I learned was that the men at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (called the Honor Guard) make a life long commitment. 80% of the men who try out for do not make it. These men are such men of character that they make a commitment never to cuss and never to drink…..LIFE LONG...NEVER! These men take this role very seriously…and it’s not for everyone. I’ll bet that they guys have no outward symbols marking their commitment, their service or the fact that they are part of elite group…..but I can bet you that if you ever run into one of these guys….you just know there is something different about him.

To often, Christians treat Christianity as a hobby, while other religions make theirs….a way of life. – Ed Stetzer

Listen guys…..grace is free to us, but it for sure wasn’t cheap. Let’s do our part as men approved and entrusted with the Gospel….and continually be working on ourselves…from the inside out.