We continually remember before our God and father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love and your endurance.

Inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. First, Thessalonians one three those who become christians sometimes do so despite pressure from family and friends not to do so. But why would anyone object to someone becoming a Christian? They object because being a Christian can mean departing from standards and ideas that.

The world says are perfectly normal. The pressures exerted by peers can be severe.

Going against the beliefs and practices of family and friends may open the door to criticism, mockery, and even the loss of friendships and family relationships. Many of the Christians to whom Paul wrote in one and two Thessalonians had experienced that personally. So how can people make decisions that result in the loss of family and friends? One of the contestants on the show, Master Chef, was told in no uncertain terms that he would be disowned by.

His family if he pursued a culinary.

Career instead of following in the family business. When he left home for the show, his father told him, the locks on the doors will be changed when you get back. In other words, you are no longer welcome in this house. The Thessalonians face the same kind of bitter criticism because of their decision to become Christians rather than hold to the.

Traditional values and norms held by their community.

Perhaps some of you have had the same experience.

The apostle Paul himself, no stranger to criticism and suffering at the hands of those who disagreed with him, offers high praise to those who decide to follow.

Christ despite the consequences that follow.

Your work, he wrote, is produced by faith, your labor is prompted by love, and your endurance is inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. This verse is a pretty good life.

Verse for those in ministry or for.

Anyone who may be criticized or who runs the risk of being ostracized by others because of his or her faith and commitment to Jesus as both savior and Lord. After all, it is far better to have God's approval than to have the world's applause.

This has been your thought for the day with Steve Burkham, pastor of Community Christian Church in Stockton, California. If you have questions or comments for Pastor Steve, please send them to dailythoughtspodcastmail.com. Have a great day, and we hope you'll join us tomorrow as pastor Steve opens God's word to bring us another thought for the day.