“As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.”
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 NLT
Hold tightly to God’s Word. The way of Jesus is not the easiest way, which means you will always be tempted to take shortcuts unless you remember His love and truth. We consume so much information every day, from music to TV to social media to games to conversations to work. Allow the Word of God to shape your
thinking, attitude, and action more than anything or anyone else. Soak in God’s Word and hold tightly to it, follow Him even when you want to go your own way.
Verse 14 says that believers share in the glory of Christ Jesus. The Thessalonians were suffering, yet Paul declared that they were sharing in the glory of Christ. Jesus suffered and was raised in glory. Don’t exchange temporary happiness for the incredible life God has in store for you – a life that shares Christ’s suffering and glory. It is all about Jesus. As you get closer to Him, you want less of you and more of His life.
What can you do to allow the Word of God to shape you more than any media? Why is it so important for Christians to be ready to suffer with Jesus?
