Foundations
From Paul, Silas, and Timothy –
To the people of the church in Thessalonica, who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
May grace and peace be yours.
We always thank God for you all and always mention you in our prayers. For we remember before our God and Father how you put your faith into practice, how your love made you work so hard, and how your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ is firm. (verses 1- 3)
It is interesting to wander around a new housing estate where lots of new homes are being built, especially if some of them are employing innovative designs. You can usually tell which ones they are once the foundations are down and the basic outline of the new house is clearly visible.
Paul’s opening words to the people in the northern Greek city of Thessalonica outline the foundations of the Christian life. It is a life focused on God and the work of his Son Jesus. It is a life of faith, love and hope. Paul is writing here to new converts who have just begun their journey as God’s people. They have several misconceptions, their community is experiencing various problems, but Paul starts with the basics. If they can get these things in place, then a fine Christian edifice can be constructed on this foundation.
Sometimes we can overly complicate being a Christian or get distracted by silly side issues. God’s great gifts of faith, hope and love, and their fruits, are the basics on which to build our lives.
Dear Lord, in all the turmoil of my life, help me to focus my life on you and the faith, hope and love you give me to build it on. Amen.
by Richard Hauser, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)
Visit the Daily Devotion archives page.
