I’ve been a wannabe long-distance runner for the last decade or so—“wannabe” being the key word there. A few years ago, I decided to run a marathon: 26.2 miles. I loved it so much, but my knees did not. This conundrum led me to a physical therapist who watched me jog back and forth a few times in her office. She looked at me and said, “Your knees don’t point the right way.”
I looked down, and she was right! My kneecaps don’t point straight ahead. In fact, they point pretty far inward. If a laser beam were to be shot out from each of my knees, the beams would cross almost immediately, which is not ideal for long-distance running. When my gait was off, it threatened the integrity of my entire stride. It placed more strain on certain muscles, causing them to stretch in ways they were never intended to stretch. So, I bought new shoes with better orthotics, and I began the slow retraining process of running with my knees facing out.
When Paul talks in 1 Thessalonians 2 about “walk worthy of God,” he is diagnosing the church in Thessalonica. If the mechanics of their walk were off, their witness would be too. And so, like a good coach, he jumped in to show them the right way to walk. He tells them, “Like a father with his own children, we encouraged, comforted, and implored each of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory” (vv.11–12).
Paul gives the Thessalonians a template for walking worthy of God by reminding them of how he lived among them. He spoke “the gospel of God to them in spite of great opposition,” without “greedy,” self-seeking motives or “flattering,” empty words (vv.2,5). Paul did not seek his own glory, but walked with gentleness, looking after them like a nursing mother “nurtures her own children” (v.7).
Paul shared his whole life with the Thessalonians—not glimpses of his piety made to make him the hero. While with the Thessalonians, he conducted himself “devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly” (v.10). These words, in particular, strike me: “We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (v.8).
Paul describes the joy of his missionary journey to Thessalonica not only in sharing the gospel, but in sharing life with his dear friends. He talks as much about his actions, demeanor, and motivations as he does his words. And perhaps that’s the goal to walk away with. Not walking “perfectly,” but walking together. Walking in the same direction, toward Jesus, with gentleness, humility, and community. We cannot walk worthy if we are always alone, but we can walk alongside those who lovingly correct our steps, reminding us of the finish line, and sharing in our burdens—not for their own glory, but for Christ’s.
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70 thoughts on "Walking Worthy of God"
So thankful for a tribe to walk with in Christ, through my church, my family, and hopefully soon as I pray for friend networks rooted in Christ. I am praying for my other half to also be surrounded by godly men seeking the face of Jesus!
Loved verse 8 – sharing our own selves with community is so important. Realizing the toll that not doing this has taken on my life ❤
This really spoke to me because while to the world I may seem like an extrovert, I’m not. And I actually enjoy being alone (not the same as lonely). So community is hard for me. Not only because it requires me connecting with other people, but also because my experiences about community haven’t been great. Praying that I can let myself be open to walking with others.
I think it’s really easy for me to be self seeking and want to do things so that I can get the praise instead of God. But I need to step back, put on humility with the help of the Spirit and let God do the work
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Walk gentleness, humility, and community ❤️
I haven’t done a good job with community during the shutdown. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with a few old friends and hoping to find some new friendships. You never realize how important your community of believers is to you until you don’t have it. Happy to be back out enjoying community again!
Walking together is so important. We are human and will fall. So we need women in Christ to help us back up.
Love that last paragraph.. I am blessed with a couple wonderful friends but sometimes I find it hard to share my own burdens and placing them in their hands for different reasons.
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I prayed for 2 years for the Lord to send me a friend. Just one. At the time I didn’t have a single one I could turn to in a crisis. When I couldn’t pray, my husband stayed faithful and prayed. I knew how important it was to have a small group of women to walk through this journey with. And then God. Being always faithful, I was invited to a Bible study group that was meeting at a safe distance during the shutdown. Then 2 more friendships were formed with two other women. Be faithful in prayer. Friendships are something the Father desires for us, they are good and bring him glory. He will not withhold anything that encourages your walk and brings him glory.
Where are the show notes?
What a great message. I cant wait to share this with my team on Sunday.
The l you for the ending of this devotion. My perfectionists heart went to all the errors I make in the way I walk in front of those I work side by side with. And then you ended it with the fact that Paul didn’t work perfectly but with kindness and gentleness alongside other believers. This is my daily goal and prayer. Thank you for averting a “perfect” moment for me. It can definitely be a sink hole that distracts me from what Jesus is truly trying to say to me. I wish I was as gently and kind with myself and He is with me.
There is almost certainly another woman, or multiple women, who are feeling the same way you are. Remember that none of us are one size fits all. Look for the other ladies who may be quietly slipping out.
@Michelle this was my take away as well.
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Praise the Lord
Tabitha – I have been there and it was my church family that saved me. I am praising God for you that you found them and they helped you!
I was like this for a long time too. Church can be a hard place to connect beyond hi and how are you. To get to know people, go to events and Bible study. The groups are usually smaller and it is easier to connect. And first it is awkward but keep going. Little by little you will get to know people.
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Jennifer, does your church have small groups or “lifegroups”? I encourage you to look into it. Your sound so much like me and joining a weekly small group was such a great thing. I gained a family.
Keep praying Tricia. My two most precious friendships were born out of a time when I woefully prayed to the Lord for a godly friend. He delivers. I am praying for you.
I long for a Christian group of women to walk beside me and I them. I attend church regularly and interact with all who are there but don’t have a closeness to any one woman to consider a best friend to do life and Jesus with. Please pray with me that I will be blessed with someone who is looking for the same. Thank you ladies!
I attended Church but I have a really hard time connecting with women. I am pretty shy and see others talking and chatting. I am in such a bad habit of slipping in and out, never have even spoken or connected. Just the common Hi how are you? Praying God will help me grow! I do long for that community.
I think it is important to try to walk worthy of God. The longer I follow Christ the more I realize that I cannot do this on my own power. I need Christian community but even more importantly I need the Holy Spirit. I have to lean into the Holy Spirit and listen to his prompting and rely on his power. I like how Luke 6:45 says, “the good treasure of his heart produces good…” Jesus is the good treasure and I can’t do it alone.
I will be praying for you today. Last year I dealt with a close loved one turning to alcohol and it was a dark time. But God used certain people from our church for us to get the help we need and now we are on the path to recovery! Praying that he gets the help he needs and accepts it as well.
Lord let me walk and step into the joy of you!
I pray that God will grant you and your boyfriend help and healing. May He bring someone along side you to help you in your life and Christian journey .
This comment shot straight to my heart. The last month was the hardest month of my life. I’m blessed to have the support system I do, cause without them I might not have pulled through. I’m so glad you’re here.
Today’s lesson reminded me of my responsibly, to my family mainly my children, to be worthy in my walk with God. Also, the need to have fellowship with other believers in Christ.
I love this reminder of journeying with others and also serving others with how we live our lives ~ to be a living witness ~ and our vulnerability.
Hi, Danielle! Each study is slightly different. Some will have reflection questions at the end of each day, some each week. Some study books will have activities for you to work through while reading.
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Mercy and JENNIE MYERS I love ❤️ your posts. I need those who encourage and hope to be one who encourages for the glory of God.
I am thankful to have found a group of mom friends to walk together with.
@FREE – Lifting you and your boyfriend up in prayer. Praying the Holy Spirit provides you with wisdom to speak truth kindly to him and that he will be receptive. Lord – hear our prayers!
I’m so thankful for my Christian community that hold me accountable, study God’s Word, share our burdens & “mountain top moments”. During this pandemic, “my people” have been what I’ve missed the most- the relationship. SRT is definitely an outlet to fill the void for missing my Bible Study group! I am so glad that we are at a point in my area to be getting back”to normal” and having small groups again! Fellowship is just a vital part of the Christian life!
Its more than just sharing the gospel – it’s about sharing life together. That’s exactly how it should and needs to be. Hand in hand. In community.
Today’s reading really struck me that Paul genuinely loved the people that he shared the gospel with, not just doing the job of preaching. In the church, there exists many different people, from all walks of life, with various problems, issues, the church could be easily compared with a hospital where the sick comes to gather in order to be free, to seek solutions (for Jesus comes to call the sick, Mark 2:17). So therefore, lots of issues are brewing within the church, among church people, where hurt and offence can often happen. Paul, a bold man, came to correct with such love and ever so gently. “So being affectionately desirous of you, we willing to have imparted unto you, not the Gospel of God only, but also OUR SOULS” (1 Thessalonians 2:8). Paul was willing to impart his soul! This has to be the enabling of God. I pray for more Pauls to be sent out to the churches, to correct, to comfort, to encourage in faith, NOT to shame, as a father to his own children, as a nursing mother to her own children, with such love and gentleness. Love covers multitude of sins. Love never fails.
@Tina: thank you for the great update. Doing a happy dance and celebrating with you! God is faithful. Will continue to keep your family in prayers. So proud of little Ollie and his mom. Sending them love, cheer, virtual flowers and balloons ^.^
“We cannot walk worthy if we are always alone, but we can walk alongside those who lovingly correct our steps, reminding us of the finish line, and sharing in our burdens—not for their own glory, but for Christ’s.”
This hit home today! Over the last few years I’ve needed those people in my life that could walk along side of me and help me to correct my steps and get back on track. I’m very thankful for them in my life!
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Lord clean out my heart and realign my motives that I might share the gospel purely without self seeking it self glorifying nature. Teach me how to tend and serve again. Fix my gait. Amen.
Praying for him and you.
Not walking perfectly, but walking together. That right there.
My sister is a model. So once, when I was younger, and visiting her in Italy, I went on an assignment with her.. I learnt a few things about modelling..
For instance, the walk.. the catwalk.., its definitely not a walk in a straight line..far from it, there is a sway and a swagger, you almost have to trip yourself up crossing the left leg over the right and vise versa.. oh yes but there is an art to the walk..of the cat, who I might add, has four legs to rely on for that majestic and delicate walk!
Seriously though, I am reminded of some words from a Bishop friend who said..
“If you want to go somewhere in a hurry or a rush, go alone, but if you are taking it at a regular pace go with a friend..”
Life is meant to be done with others, that is why we are given family, biological or otherwise..
Life is meant to be shared, and shared well, by listening, encouraging, loving, with the Fruit of the Spirit as our guide and help.
I love journeying with you, ladies.. sharing our lives and hopes and our love of Jesus and God’s Word. I have learnt to ‘Walk worthy of God’ as I steep my life in His word each day with you. As I walk, not as the ‘cat’ or that fashionable walk, but close to Him who gives me purpose to walk in His love and grace.
But God..
Amen.
Blessings wrapped in awe filled gratitude for you all and love.❤
I did an update on my niece and ollie last night..
Both got through surgery and the surgeons were pleased. Today, I got word that Ollie is doing WELL, and that he is even producing creatinine( which is super important) and peeing loads..
Early days but today is a good day.
Thank you ladies for your support and prayers, but all praise goes to the God who heard our prayers and was present.
Please continue to pray for Ollie as his journey is a long one!
Blessings wrapped in love ❤
Thank you for sharing this. This is exactly where I’m at as well. It’s not very easy finding a community where you feel welcomed and fit in with the crowd or can get on those deep personal levels in a community group. It has definitely been rough especially now that I don’t have an excuse not to find one. Feeling the conviction after reading your comments and it is nice to hear that I’m not alone in experiencing this struggle.
Ladies, I need your prayers today. My relationship is in a bad place. My boyfriend’s mental health is suffering, and he is resistant to getting help. He has turned to alcohol. He isn’t keeping up with his responsibilities and sleeps most of the day and stays up all night. I am terrified for him and for us. I have so much resentment in my heart. I need to learn how to lovingly correct. I look back and see the ways I have used shame to try to motivate him. What a cruel thing!! Jesus took our shame, it has no place being used as a weapon against someone I truly love. I have repented and I truly want to move forward with a new heart and attitude. I pray the Lord gives me wisdom about my relationship. That He softens both of our hearts to each other. That He show us both the next steps that follow His will for our lives. Ladies, please lift this situation up. I know there are more important things going on in the world, but this is my whole world and it feels like it’s crumbling right now. I know the Lord hears our prayers. I know that if it is important to me, it is important to Him!! Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!!
In today’s devotion Melanie writes about Christian community and how it is much needed. I so agree. Right now you my sisters in Christ are my main Christian community and I know how I have often been able to turn to you. But through out my years my Christian community has been there. When my son died I had two different Christian communities I was involved in and they were there for me.
Lord I thank you for these wonderful women that make up these Christian community. Thank you for letting me a part of them and directing me to them. Allow me to continue to be a part and not stray from them but especially not from You. Lord keep us all safe from the evil. Amen.
Sisters have a blessed day.
I’m praying for that community in my own life. I have close friends who are believers but I miss having a church that feels like home to grow in and grow my kids in. Side effects of Covid: becoming content with watching church online, never truly plugging in, and being discontent with the churches in my area because they “don’t match up.” Not looking for the perfect church, just a genuine community of diverse believers who love others more than they love rules and know it’s ok to fail sometimes. Lead me there, Lord!
I’m so thankful for the believers in my life who have shared themselves with me as they shared the gospel. Lord, help me to follow their example with generosity and integrity. Amen!
I have had trouble finding the devos and community boards until today! Wow, I’m so glad to be here and be among all of you wonderful and amazing women who are walking worthy of God! Thank you for sharing your hearts. I am excited to be part of a new community and to see God at work!
Love where Paul says we shared the Gospel and “our very selves.” That’s how I want to live in community—sharing the Gospel and all of me. Thankful for this community to sisters here!
I was reminded of a study I am working through on Proverbs ( the way of wisdom). This last week we looked at Wisdom and Virtue. We looked at 4 life characteristics of a virtuous life- diligence, humility , integrity and self control. Paul seems to touch on each of these and reminds us that we are to be a people who seek to do good to others with the Lord’s enabling. The teacher of the lesson on virtue reminded us that a virtuous life is a long haul and may not look glamorous, yet it is worth it. The main theme of the lesson was “God’s people know and do what is good”. Melanie’s analogies of walking and running in the right way, in community were a great reminder of this. Praying for each of us as we seek to walk worthy and have a life of wisdom and virtue, guided by the Lord.
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Melanie spoke to me today about my need to be part of a community, I’ve sometimes enjoyed being alone this year (really most of the time just with my family) because there is less tension sometimes to navigate, mostly all the opinions in my faith community. Being a usually very hospitable person I enjoy people but in my fear of failure and misstep I fear division and it makes me shrink back, but I need to walk towards Jesus and rub shoulders with those I find myself with and trust the Hoy Spirit to direct my actions and words as I encounter others and let His teachings influence and correct myself and those I find myself with. Fear of division can rule in ways that limit Christ work in my life and ultimately does lead to division because I check out and he can’t use me effectively then to bring about unity. And as we see we are not always able to bring unity between enemies of Jesus and his ways, we must then just dust off our sandals and keep walking towards Jesus.
I love this devotion and hope for correction in my journey with Jesus and I’m thankful all the sisters in this group
Long Distance runner… And Melanie had my attention. I love this! We were not meant to do life alone. We need community. We need people. We need accountability godly people willing to point us in the right direction and correcting us gently when needed. I’m so thankful for my friend G who’s always there and gently correcting me if I need and same with my celebrate recovery mentor. I picked up a slogan while training for my own marathon. I can’t believe that 10 years ago this past March I ran across the finish line of a 26.2 line! It was all God! My mantra, my life verse: Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength”. And I didn’t do this alone. I did it with a team that helped me through each mile. Same with life. We need people. And this reminds me that life is not a sprint. Life is a marathon. And I’m so thankful for all those walking this journey with me.God is good! It’s all God! None of it’s me.
Ummm I wonder if that’s why I can’t run long distance??? Thanks for the devotion. Hits home!!! The Bible is our guide—we must know it (in our hearts—not our mind) It’s the road map that leads us to our eternal home—heaven ❤️❤️
Tried to post once before. I apologize if both show up eventually. Haha
WALK WORTHY of GOD – so much POWER and CHALLENGE in those 4 words!
MELANIE, I love your example of the laser beam! I also love this: “we can walk alongside those who lovingly correct our steps, reminding us of the finish line, and sharing in our burdens—not for their own glory, but for Christ’s.”
Father, my desire is to walk worthy of You. May I never be a stumbling block to others but rather be a representative of Your love and grace.
TINA, I was thrilled to see your report on Ollie and his mom! PRAISE GOD!!! Continued prayers for their recovery and for little Ollie’s heart as he waits through his isolation period.
Tina, I hope our prayers were answered. If you are here today let us know how your niece and her child’s surgery went.
I love this visual Paul gives us, especially as a mother to young children. May I also walk alongside my children toward Jesus, encouraging them, comforting them and showing them step-by-step how to live well for God. All for His glory!
This was a great reminder!
I like the part where walking together as a community helps the whole.
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I am thankful as well
May I accept correction so I may be more worthy of my walk with my Savior!❤️
I’m thankful for Jesus because I cannot walk worthy of him, without him.