Wait as an Example

I have seen many men sitting on a bench at the department store, or in a mall environment. They sit and wait, and I have often though of how cute it is that they just sit waiting for their significant other. Why do they just sit?

“⁹For thy themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, ¹⁰and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10(ESV)

“⁶And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, ⁷so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 (ESV)

This passage is a window into waiting for me. You see, the men sitting on the bench have given of them selves and given up their own selfish desires to provide for others (their significant others). The Thessalonians gave up their idols to serve the greater, living God and now they wait for others to reach the same place. They selflessly have provided for others in Macedonia and in Achaia and now sit patiently to receive their reward with the coming again of Jesus.

I have to be willing to be satisfied with what I have and give selflessly for others. Whether my wife, boys, family, friends, coworkers, or strangers on the street. I have to remember my task is to bring the gospel to those around me and then I sit and wait for my reward to be realized upon the return of Christ.

Are you sitting and waiting? Have you done the work for others selflessly? Are you able to wait as an example?