Daily EncouragementSample

The Christian leader is inevitably an example to those among whom he serves. “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you,” said Paul to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:18). Of course they did. In one sense the test of an effective ministry is the test of an effective example. We may be more reluctant than the apostle to invite people to follow our example, but to whatever extent we cannot say, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ,” to that extent our way of life is not in agreement with what we teach (1 Cor. 4:16-17; 11:1).

There is a place for the missionary to make himself a model for the people to follow. Such is the case here. The “right” referred to is the right to receive support from the church - a right which Paul never questioned but always asserted, sometimes at length (1 Cor. 9:3-14). However, when among the Thessalonians he waived this right and worked for his keep. His purpose in this was to confront and correct the idleness which was characteristic of the people and continued to be so - “We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busy-bodies” (2 Thess. 3:11). This aspect of example calls for wisdom, is not always understood and yet forms a very strong basis for exhortation.