⏱ 5 min read

• In this life, everyone somehow admires a model. Be it a professional model or a role model.
• Whichever it is, we have people we wish or aspire to be like, look like, dress like and act like. As children of God, you and I are called to be models for the world to follow.

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:4‭-‬7 NIV

Paul says this about the Thessalonian church, “And so you became a model to all the believers…” A model simply means an example. Beloved, the best role models in this world are supposed to be in the presence of the Lord! You and I are called to be God’s professional models.

• So how can we do this? “You became imitators of us and of the Lord...” Simply put, follow and imitate people who love God and you’ll love Him more.
• We cannot overemphasize the need to follow and copy from the fathers of faith. Learn from their mistakes and their successes.
• Then become a model yourself, so that through you, others can know God and love Him too.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. ~ John 13:35

People out there in the world are looking for satisfaction in life, and God wants the church to be a place where people can come and drink from the spring of life.

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, and leading them out, he said,
“Go, stand and continue to tell the people in the temple [courtyards] the whole message of this Life [the eternal life revealed by Christ and found through faith in Him].” ~ Acts 5:19-20

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• Note the church is not just the building, you and I are the church of God. God wants us, as Christians, to become a positive influence to the world. (Matthew 5:14-16)
• Church is not a social club; it’s not a place we go to display new clothes, take pictures or feel good about ourselves;
• It is not a place where we go because your pastor/friend/parent will call and ask why you didn’t go to church. 

The Church is a family of God! And when you give your life to Jesus, you become a part of God’s family. We must appreciate that we are a family. I think this is one of the best things that can happen to anyone. God loves you just the way you are, and as the Head of this family, He chose you.

In 1 Thess 1:4 Paul says, "You are loved by God and you have been chosen by God (paraphrased)."

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For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man... ~ Ephesians 3:14-16

• Woow… isn’t that the best thing!? You are chosen by God! God says you are valuable and you are acceptable.
• Other people may not accept you, and other people may say you’re not lovable. But God accepts you and loves you just the way you are—and He loves you too much to let you stay that way.
• That’s why Jesus stretched out His arms wide on the cross and said, “I love you this much (picture wide stretched arms). I’d rather die than live without you. I love you so much, it hurts. You are worth dying for.”

Jesus is the one who will have scars in heaven. You won’t have any, but the scars of the cross will be on Christ as reminders for eternity of how much He loves you.

Are you happy to belong to God’s family? Are you proud of it? Will you be a good model of it? May the Lord help us be good models for each other and especially for the world out there.

The Greek word for church is ‘ekklesia,’ which literally means ‘the called-out ones’ and in this case ‘the chosen ones.’ I wish you could be crazy about this and say to yourself: I am chosen by God!”

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul seems to point out some characteristics of a model church. We will examine five(5) of them tomorrow. Today’s declaration: I am loved and chosen by God!

[Models in cover photo: Charis Family Choir - Gracefields Chapel KNUST]