Don’t make news!

You should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God. – 1 Thessalonians 4:1

A story in our local newspaper reported that a $1.73 billion highway and mass transit project in Denver, Colorado, was nearing completion on schedule and within the budget. But the story wasn’t on the front page. In fact, it was tucked into a sidebar of brief summaries in small type on Page 3 of the local news section. If the project had been plagued by fraud, delays, and cost overruns, no doubt it would have been headline news.

I’ve decided that "Don’t Make News" might be a good motto in life. If we lie, cheat, and steal, that’s news. If we live honestly and morally, we can have an unnoticed yet effective spiritual influence on people around us.

When Paul commended the Christians in Thessalonica for showing love toward each other, he urged them, "Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands . . . . that you may walk properly toward those who are outside" (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

Since our goal is to please God in everything we do (v. 1), it makes no difference whether anyone applauds our actions or not. We are called to be faithful, not famous. Bad behavior sells newspapers. Honesty and integrity honor the Lord. Don’t make news! – David McCasland

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause,
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name. – Miller

READ: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

The world’s applause cannot compare to the Lord’s approval.

The Bible in one year:

• Ezekiel 14-15
• James 2