Checklist for God-pleasers

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 – Take a few moments right now to read this text in a modern translation and ingest the following characteristics of one who uses their spiritual giftedness to please God. ~

1.) Real and Courageous use of your spiritual gift in obedience to God after having been hurt by people when you used it previously. (vs. 1 - not “hollow,” “empty,” a “failure”)
2.) Truth, Honesty, Moral Purity, and no Manipulation when you use your gift in ministry. (vs. 3)
3.) Integrity characterizes you as you open your heart to God’s testing of your motives and as you never use Flattery, Greed (seeking more), or doing things to draw attention to yourself. (vs. 4,5,6) It’s not about you!
4.) Sensitive to the Culture even at personal cost. (vs. 6b)
5.) Gentle and having Deep Genuine Affection for those to whom you minister. (vs. 7)
6.) Share both the Truth of the Word of God and Yourself -your inner being, time, and energy with others. (vs. 8)
7.) Work Hard and Don’t Give Up in the face of difficulties. (vs. 9)
8.) Model Holiness (piety), Righteousness (moral integrity), and Blamelessness (honest dealings). (vs. 10)
9.) Work Personally (one-on-one) with people. (vs. 11a)
10.) Teach Godly Practical Conduct, Encourage, Inspire, and Urge your hearers to live lives worthy of God.(vs. 12)

Paul directs us to imitate him in these characteristics just as he imitated Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:9 tells us “Why” – “We make it our goal to please Him.”

Which characteristic in this list needs improvement through the Holy Spirit’s power in your life?

Seeking to please Him ~ Bob