So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.
1 Thessalonians 3:1 NIV
Willing
As Canada plans to increase military spending to meet NATO’s commitment, about half of Canadians say if there is an armed conflict, they are willing to fight for their country. According to a recent Angus Reid poll, 49 per cent of Canadians are willing to join Canada’s military. The poll indicates that those most willing to enlist are over 54-years-old. While those in the youngest age group of 18 to 34-years-old, are more likely to say no, at 36 per cent, with 34 per cent saying only if they agreed with the reason for fighting.
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When it comes to the Christian life, love must always compel us. This was the case with Paul, who, while in Corinth, wrote the first of his epistles to the believers in Thessalonica. Unable to leave Corinth, he had sent Timothy to Thessalonica as his representative. While his heart was with the believers up north in Thessalonica, he knew it was best for him to remain teaching the believers in Athens and Corinth. So, he wrote this in 1 Thessalonians 3:1: “So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.” Paul’s heart was restless—not for his own safety, but for the spiritual well-being of those he loved in Christ. True spiritual leadership always leans toward people, even when it costs us personally. Perhaps today you feel the tension Paul felt—concern for a child, a friend, a church, a fellow believer walking through hardship. Let that concern drive you to prayer, encouragement, and faithful obedience. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is step back and trust God to work where we cannot be.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley