Scripture
10 You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; 11 just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 12 so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 NASB
Observation
Two things here. One, those of us who are older in the faith, who have some experience with God, should exhort and encourage others in their walk with the Lord. Two, our faith walk should be one that is worthy of what God has done.
As mature Christians, we have a responsibility to encourage those newer in the faith. We are to lift them up, be a support and speak into their lives about the goodness of God. Sometimes it comes very lovingly and sometimes things need to be corrected, but it should come very gentle either way.
We should also make sure that we walk in a way that is worthy of God. Does that mean we have to be perfect? Does this mean we are earning our salvation? No! It means we love and honor God so much that we desire to align our lives with the way He wants us to live. Even if that means making sacrifices and working on ourselves in a purposeful manner to grow in the Lord.
Application
I should be growing and maturing in my faith. There should be evidence/fruit of this.
I need to take time to reflect and make the necessary changes in my life so that I walk in a way that is pleasing to God. I also need to think about my responsibility as a mature Christian to encourage and help those who are not as built up in the faith, and do it in a gentle manner.
Prayer
Lord, I thank You for allowing me to know You the way I know You. I feel I have learned so much and have received so much. I’m grateful for the knowledge of the faith that I have. Now Lord, help me to encourage and speak into the lives of those who are new and might be struggling in the faith. Help me to share my experiences and also to have the words to say, Your Word, as they need it.
Peace
Todd