1 Thessalonians 2:5-6 - Living for His approval

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 2:5-6
5 For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed — God is witness — 
6 nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.
NASU


Thoughts:

What a refreshing dose of humility and authenticity!  Paul and his companions weren't concerned about what men thought of them, only God.  They ministered with pure motives and methods.  Though as apostles they might have been within their proper bounds to ask for certain things, they did not do so, in order that there be no question of where their hearts truly were.

While sadly we can find contradictions to this in Christian leadership today, the point is no less important for Christians in all walks of life.  Whether called to the ministry or otherwise, the purity expressed here should be true of each of us at all times, but particularly as we interact with one another. 


Prayer:

Lord keep me from selfishness and pride.  Keep me from the trap of concerning myself with what others think of me or how they treat me.  May my only motives be to glorify and please You.

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.