Sometimes we describe situations as both/and, while we describe other situations as either/or. Most of us view our love for God compared with our attitude toward the world as an either/or proposition. In the Old Testament, Joshua demanded the people choose to serve either God or the false gods of the world (Joshua 24:14-15). When the Apostle Paul addressed the congregation in Thessalonica, he urged them to both please God and win the respect of people who were far from God.
While both ideas are true, the former is much easier to grasp for most people. How does one fulfill the latter and accomplish both pleasing God and gaining the respect of those who are unchurched? The answer is found in obeying God in such a way as to provide an example that inspires others.
What the Bible says …
Paul urges the congregation to please God by living moral lives. “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). Paul makes mentions of both pleasing God and its effect upon those who are lost.
The first-century attitude of tolerance with regard to sexual conduct, particularly in the areas of adultery and prostitution, was not much different than what one finds in our own day. Pagan temples celebrated sexual unions as offerings and acts of worship. Men were encouraged to have sexual relations with mistresses, concubines and temple prostitutes.
Against this prevalent attitude in Thessalonican society, God demanded his people live holy lives: “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life” (v. 7). The root meaning of holiness and sanctification is to be “separate” or “different” from pagan people. Holiness is the marker that sets God’s people apart from all others.
One must balance a holy, separate life with love for other believers. Outsiders should see, firsthand, Christians who truly love one another (vv. 9-10). As a result, nonbelievers will have the opportunity to understand that holy living is based upon genuine love and not legalism.
Another way to win the respect of non-believers is to assume responsibility in everyday life. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody” (vv. 11-12). Apparently, laziness, as evidenced in Christians who refused to work, was an ongoing problem in Thessalonica.
Some interpreters believe this idleness was due to Christians who were waiting on the return of Jesus, seeing work as unimportant and unnecessary. Though the source of this problem is not certain, Paul mentions it again in 5:14, and then addresses it at length in 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 (which will be discussed in a subsequent lesson). The surest way to earn the contempt of those outside of faith is to live lazy, undisciplined lives.
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In addition to the “idle ones,” Paul encourages Christians to “encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (5:14). The Greek word for “timid” appears here and nowhere else in the New Testament. Though its use here cannot be stated with certainty, Paul could be referring to those spiritually discouraged. No doubt many believers faced persecution and found themselves unable to stand firm. The word “weak” is used to describe those who are sick, but the larger context of the passage suggests that the reference is to those who are spiritually weak. Not everyone in the church found it easy to turn away from the sexual temptations which were part of everyday life before conversion.
What the Bible means to me today …
In our day, we face temptations just as enticing and real as those faced by the believers in ancient Thessalonica. And as followers of Jesus, we are both to live lives pleasing to God and by our conduct earn the respect of those who do not share our faith.
The examples found in Thessalonica are found in our day as well. In light of the prevalent attitude found in our day toward sexual behavior, there is no better way for Christians to set themselves apart than in the area of sexual morality.
The divorce rate in many parts of the country has risen to never-seen-before levels. Preparing couples for marriage is one way to reverse this alarming trend. Our church partners with the state of Texas, offering an approved marriage preparation class. When couples complete this course, the state significantly reduces the cost of the marriage license.
Many of the couples that complete our course have no faith background. The eight weeks they spend with us result in connections that allow us to minister to them after their wedding. And without a doubt, these practical lessons give them the best chance to make their marriage work.
The results are obvious: We live lives that both please God and win the respect of people who need his love. That’s a great both/and.
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