THE THREE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – “WALK PROPERLY TOWARDS THOSE WHO ARE OUTSIDE”

The three principles that we meditated till yesterday, form the very core of Christian conduct in this world. The core of our conduct is a reflection of the transforming power of the Gospel of the LORD Jesus Christ. These three principles help us walk in a manner that brings glory and honour to our LORD, and would demonstrate to the world outside, clearly and unambiguously that, we belong to the Kingdom of God, and not the world.
– ’11 that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Verses eleven and twelve of 1 Thessalonians 4 are like two sides of the same coin. The apostle Paul extends, after writing down the three principles of Christian walk in verse eleven – 1- “ASPIRE TO LEAD A QUIET LIFE” 2- “TO MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS” 3- “TO WORK WITH YOUR OWN HANDS – “THAT YOU MAY…” He then goes on to give an explanation in verse twelve, as to why we should follow these principles, and what happens when we follow them. 

We find two distinct points in verse 12. They are as follows.
1- “12 THAT YOU MAY WALK PROPERLY TOWARD THOSE WHO ARE OUTSIDE…”
2- “… AND THAT YOU MAY LACK NOTHING.”

For our meditation this morning, let us look at the first point of verse twelve.
1- “…THAT YOU MAY WALK PROPERLY TOWARD THOSE WHO ARE OUTSIDE…”
– The LORD is always concerned about the world. 
– The LORD wants and expects us, as His disciples and children, to have the very same heart and mind as Himself.
– The LORD wants His “chosen” people to be His witness and ambassadors to the whole world, on His behalf.
– The LORD Jesus wants us to be “walking epistles” of the gospel that is ushered in because of His sinless offering on the Cross of Calvary.
– This is not a suggestion or some good and wise advise to the Christians.
– This is the primary reason for the call to follow the three principles.
– This is the primary responsibility or purpose of we being called out of darkness into His marvellous light.

The following portions from the Word of God will enlighten us about the heart, mind and the love of God towards the lost world, and its people.
– “9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”* – 1 Peter 2:9-12
– “16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
– “5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” – Colossians 4:5-6
– “7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” – 1 Timothy 3:7

We are called out of darkness so… “…THAT YOU MAY WALK PROPERLY TOWARD THOSE WHO ARE OUTSIDE…” How are we faring this morning when it comes to our walk and our behaviour towards all those who are “OUTSIDE?” Do people see in us, the three principles Paul mentions in 1 Thessalonians 4:11? Do we embody Christ our LORD in our lives? Do people see Christ Jesus, our LORD and our Redeemer in our thoughts, words and deeds? Let us seek the LORD Jesus to help us be His true disciples and ambassadors. Even so, the LORD help us.