Worth The Price

Read: 1 Thessalonians 2:12-13

We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:12

IN WORD

Nothing in the gospel tells us to be worthy of the Kingdom. In fact, it tells us just the opposite—that none are righteous, none deserve grace and mercy (which by definition can’t be earned), and only Jesus can accomplish what we need. But that isn’t what Paul is talking about in this passage. He isn’t telling his readers to be worthy of their inheritance in the Kingdom. He is urging them, since they have already received Kingdom citizenship, to actually live like Kingdom citizens.

This isn’t a surprising statement, is it? People hired at a company are told to live in a way that reflects the company’s interests. Athletes who play for a team are to embrace the standards of the team. Immigrants who become citizens are urged to uphold the laws of the land and learn its language and culture. Adopted children are to take on the name and the ethos of their new family. Why would Kingdom citizens be any different? Having been taken into the Kingdom of light, we are to live as enlightened people. If we are to share in God’s Kingdom and glory, we need to live the role of heirs of such enormous privileges. We become what we have been called.

IN DEED

Never strain to become worthy of God’s favor as though you could earn it. But always grow into the privilege bestowed on you. Live not as one who earns but as one who embraces what has been given. You’ve been given new clothes, so wear them. You’ve been given a new name, so use it well and represent it honorably. You’ve been given the keys of a Kingdom, so carry them with the intentions of the King in mind. Whatever gifts are included in the gospel, refuse to squander them. Instead, embody them. Prove that it was worth it to God to give them to you.

ADDITIONAL READING: Titus 2:11-14

The destined end of man is not happiness, nor health, but holiness. God’s one aim is the production of saints.

OSWALD CHAMBERS