There is an interesting text in 1 Thessalonians 3, where the apostle Paul expressed his concern for the spiritual welfare of the brethren in Thessalonica. He referred to a personal agony that he could not continue to endure, as he had no knowledge of how they were reacting to a present distress among them due to persecution. While in the city of Athens, he sent Timothy to them “our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ” (3:2). While it left him alone, it supplied them support and encouragement that Paul could not provide in his absence.
Paul had previously warned them that they would “suffer tribulation” (4) and it had happened as he said. There was no reason for them to be surprised. However, there was the possibility they might be “shaken by these afflictions” (3) and it was possible “the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain” (5).
Timothy went to them, and then returned to Paul. He brought good news. They had acquitted themselves well, they expressed love for the apostle, and Paul was comforted by their faith. He went so far as to write, “For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?” (8-10).
These are wonderful sentiments, expressing the significance of Paul’s commitment to God’s people. His temporal happiness, as stated time and again, was tied to the faithfulness of God’s people. In 2 Corinthians 3 he noted the personal loss that comes when the work that one accomplishes in the Lord does not lead to permanent commitment to Him. “Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire” (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
Paul shows us how much emphasis we need to place on the spiritual standing of others. It doesn’t matter if it is our family, our friends, our acquaintances, or the world. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He commissioned His apostles to the same work. His famous prayer recorded by John in John 17, reveals in verse 23 that it is our purpose as well. “I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”
So, how much emphasis do you place on the spiritual welfare of others? Do you sacrifice it in order to “not offend” to “get along”? We sometimes become enamored with earthly relationships, not willing to sacrifice our own discomfort or loss in order to work to the eternal salvation of those we love. May we never forget what’s what. The soul should and does come first!
