I. Thess. 1:7-10 - from the Message 7-10Do you know that all over the provinces of both Macedonia and Achaia believers look up to you? The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master's Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don't even have to say anything anymore—you're the message! People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom.
Who looks up to you? Do you know of anyone that looks to you for leadership, love, support, and guidance? Just as we look up to Christ for guidance and peace, so do others look to us for hope in finding the peace that only Christ gives.
As Christians, we should be leading a life of example - an example of the Spirit of God, living to His decrees and His standards - so as to not cause anyone to stumble along the way.
As Paul states in I. Corinthians 10 as an encouragement to the people in Corinth:" 31So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved."
Just as we are to be examples of the love of Christ - so are we also to live lives free from causing others to stumble. This is not only applicable to food (alcohol and Kosher), but also to everyday life - (i.e. swearing, lying, cheating, stealing, gossiping, etc). Anything that gives way for others to look to your leadership and see that you believe what you're doing is "okay", will also follow suit to the example you show. If you're sitting around lying to people, and someone catches you in that sin, and they are not in the faith, they will get a poor idea of Christians.
So I ask, who looks up to you for guidance? Who are you influencing in your life by the choices you make? Who do you need to live a better life for? We have all sinned and fallen short, but we can still strive to live to the standard of Christ.
