January 23
2 Thessalonians 2.13-17
13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as first-fruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
With children, it is quite reassuring to see and hear them living out some of the things we taught them as they were growing up. Even more, seeing that they learned the most important lesson of thinking for themselves and doing it well. When I see that encouragement of Paul in verse 15 today I also am reminded of the ways I have seen people in congregations living in ways that reflect things we have been trying to teach in sermons and other portions of ministry.
The encouragement to us all comes in remembering that we are always in the in between state. Being the ones who have others teaching us with spoken or written words. Then being those who teach others with spoken or written words. We lead as we are being led. Holding on to what others pass on to us. Hoping that what we pass on to others holds in them and brings them deeper in faith as well. And having joy as we look back and see our growth and the growth of others along the way.
Hold fast to what we have learned, and pray that those walking with us can hold fast and grow deeper in faith with us as well.
Song – My Friends May You Grow In Grace
Prayer
Grant, O Lord, that what has been said with our lips we may believe in our hearts, and that what we believe in our hearts we may practice in our lives, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.