Apostolic Standards: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, especially vs. 8: "So, affectionately longing for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us."
Readiness to share one's basic life-commitment to Christ with those who do not know our Lord Jesus has always been an essential of authentic Christian discipleship. The Lord Jesus' Apostles imparted truths they knew first hand and they gave themselves as well, even to the point of death and imprisonment. In today's Epistle, St. Paul reminds the Thessalonian Christians that he came to them "as...approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel...not as pleasing men" (vs. 4), "gentle...as a nursing mother" (vs. 7).
In these verses, as St. Paul describes his time with the Thessalonians, he lists ten standards he followed in his sharing of the Gospel. Let us examine these standards carefully, applying them to ourselves and to our relationships with those outside the Faith.
1) Speak boldly in God under all circumstances (vs. 2). In Christ Jesus, we are wholly united to God, as long as we honor Him in all that we say and do. Let us not be intimidated by anything or anyone, but refuse to be brash, remain loving and compassionate always.
2) Know and speak only the truth (vs. 3). We impart the "wisdom of God, the message of the Cross which puts to shame the things of the world that are mighty" (1 Cor. 1:21-27). God's truth is our firm foundation which can never be shaken by the world and its "facts."
3) Know and speak only in purity (1 Thess. 2:3). Let us share the Gospel only on a personal basis, communicating the truth of God through lives that are not qualified or corrupted by sin and moral laxity. The first work of every faithful Christian is to purify himself.
4) Be open (vs. 4). When telemarketers ask, "How are you today?" we know immediately that there is a "hidden agenda." Let this never be so with us! Our commitment to Christ and the truth of the Faith is "open" when it is true in us and is undisguised by our words and deeds.
5) Always speak to others in a manner that is pleasing to God (vs. 4). The test for what we say should be measured against God's standards, not the taste, style, and convictions of others. Let each one ask, "Are my words, actions, thoughts, and manner pleasing to the Lord?"
6) Never flatter others (vs. 5). Why not? Flattery is inflated praise of others given in self-interest. Note how the Lord praised St. Peter for confessing Him as the Christ (Mt. 16:17). The Lord praised the evidence of God's grace in Peter, not any of Peter's merits (Mt. 16:23).
7) Do not allow covetousness to cloud your relationships (vs. 5). How much the world encourages us to "best" others in our dealings! However, the Lord sees the heart, and, as the Apostle says, "God is witness," and commands us not to covet" (Dt. 5:21), for greed destroys.
8) Flee from the praise and glory of men (vs. 6). St. Theodoros warns us that the love of praise banishes "remembrance of God from the soul...[leaving] a tumult of the passions within us." The Holy Fathers fled from communities where they were glorified, even for their holiness. 9) Forego making demands on others (vs. 6). Demanding is to ask from others 'using authority.' The Apostle Paul was appointed by Christ our God Himself. What higher authority could he have had? Let us offer the Gospel, for not even God 'demands' that men love truth.
10) Be gentle and nurturing with others (vs. 7). God asks, "Will a woman forget her child?" He answers, "If a woman should even forget these, yet I will not forget thee. Behold, thou art continually before Me" (Is. 49:15,16 LXX). Let us care for all whom God brings to us.
O Holy Apostles, ye didst sincerely prefer to all things the greatly desired divine love which linketh its lovers to the Beloved. Plead with Him to lighten and save our souls.