The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. (1 Thessalonians 1:8-10)
What are you known for? When people hear your name, what comes to their minds? That’s a good question for us to think about.
You know how reputations work. All someone has to do is say a name, and something comes to your mind. Sometimes it’s what they do: “She’s an actress.” “He’s a basketball player.” Sometimes it’s what they are like: “She’s beautiful.” “He’s rich.” “He’s a liar.” “She’s kind.” “He’s generous.”
When people hear your name, what comes to their minds?
According to Paul, when people heard of the Christians in Thessalonica, something immediately came to their minds: Their faith in God. That’s what they were known for: “Those people in Thessalonica… Wow! They have faith in God.” They were known everywhere for how warmly they received Paul and the gospel message. They were known everywhere for how they turned away from idols to serve the living and true God. They were known everywhere for how they were waiting for Jesus to come back from heaven. They were known everywhere for trusting in Jesus—who rescues us from the coming wrath.
Isn’t that a great thing to be known for? For being a Christian? For trusting in Jesus?
I once mentioned a lady’s name to a couple from our church. I’ll never forget how they immediately said, “She’s such a faithful woman. A faithful mother. A faithful wife. A faithful friend.” They thought of her just like people thought of those Thessalonian Christians. She was known for her faith in God.
Are you? By God’s grace, as long as we’re alive, it’s never too late to change our reputations. The Holy Spirit empowers us through God’s Word to turn from idols. To trust in God. To long for Jesus.
What do you want to be known for? Wouldn’t it be great if people would say to you, “Your faith in God has become known everywhere”?
Dear God, forgive me for all I do to create a name for myself. Instead, allow me to be known for what you’ve done for me. When people think of me, may they think of you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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