30th Sunday of the Year October 23, 2005 In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul made a statement that catches my attention; “You became a model for all the believers of Macedonia and Achaia.” Hmm, could Paul address such a letter to us? Have we become a model for all the believers of South Whidbey? He went on to observe that the Thessalonians had turned from idols to serve the living God in whom they have grounded their new faith. Have we done the same thing?
Years ago, I read about a man who went to an exhibit on idols, expecting to see idols from India, Africa and the South Seas. Instead he found several large panels. One was covered with tobacco and numerous cigarette labels; the second was covered with labels from assorted liquor bottles; the third was covered with pennants from different football teams, and the last one was covered with dollar bills. He realized that idols were everywhere, not just in distant lands. Many people value idols of power, money, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, that piece of pigskin known also as a football, and/or that appliance given various names such as the boob tube which can command our undivided attention for several hours each evening. Do any of these idols stop us from serving the one true God?
Paul tells the Thessalonians that the Word of the Lord has echoed forth from them resoundingly, not only in Macedonia and Achaia; but also throughout every region where their faith in God is celebrated.
The Thessalonians were like megaphones. By their lifestyles, people elsewhere could see how these onetime pagans accepted and lived the word of God. The success of their approach doesn’t surprise me. Aren’t we often sold on a product because someone has convinced us to try it out?
Within a year after it was first introduced into this country 25 years ago, sales for the Pentel felt-tip pen were phenomenal. All this happened without any advertising except by “word of mouth.” People in all kinds of offices across the country advertised the pen by introducing it to others.
Most anyone in business will tell you that to sell any product well, you have to believe in what you are selling. The Thessalonians believed in what they were selling. Could Paul commend us for convincingly selling the Word of God? Maybe you don’t see yourself as a salesperson, much less an evangelist, but most likely you do sell to others what you personally believe in including your favorite brand names, TV shows, and political candidates. How then can we best sell God to others? Today’s Gospel gives us that answer.
When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus was quick to tell his listeners, “You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Knowing that they would need some pointers on how to fulfill this commandment, he added another for good measure. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” That added line makes sense for love of neighbor tests the reality of our love for God. Our love for God cannot be something only thought or even only said, such as in prayer. It must be carried out by loving actions.
Being human, none of us are perfect. We all have shortcomings especially when it comes to love. More than once I have been confronted on my own shortcomings as a person of love. What matters is that we never give up trying to be the lovers that God is calling us to be.
In his renowned book, The Road Less Traveled, the late Scott Peck defines love as “the will to extend one’s self for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another person’s spiritual growth.” Love’s primary task, he notes, is attention giving. We cannot claim to love someone when we fail to pay attention to that person.
Often people will complain to me that they cannot love a certain person. What they come to realize is that they don’t like the person. Liking and loving are not the same thing. Dr. Peck observes, “Liking or affection is primarily a feeling; love is primarily a matter of decision and action.”
How we pay attention to others, to God, and even to ourselves is what makes us unique. In case you are at a loss for ideas on how to love, here are a few tips that you may find useful written by an anonymous author.
“Mend a quarrel. Search out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a love letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed.
“Keep a promise. Find the time. Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Flout envy. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate, be kind, be gentle, laugh a little more.
“Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice. Decry complacency. Express your gratitude. Worship your God. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still again. Speak it still once again.”