I Thessalonians 2:17-20

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17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you-certainly I, Paul, did, again and again-but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

Over the past few years this dynamic is becoming more and more real to me than ever before. It's the dynamic of being thrilled by the lives and testimonies of those you have invested in. NOTE Paul says here that he views the Thessalonians in a very special way. They are his hope, his joy and his crown in which they all will celebrate, when in the presence of the Lord Jesus upon His return. He uses a couple of interesting terms, when he says, "You are our glory and joy."

"Glory" is literally a reflection of something. When we glorify Jesus in our lives, we are positively reflecting Him in our lives. In this case, the trio is saying that the Thessalonians are reflections of them--in what they say and how they say it, their emphasis upon Jesus plus nothing and the kingdom of God. And, because of this positive reflection, the Thessalonians are also their "joy".

Here's how it works: WHO HAS GOD BROUGHT TO YOU? Who has the Lord brought into your life for you to invest yours into them? You see, this is the kingdom principle that coincides with the "power of the few"--the power of multiplication through hanging out with two or three in the name of Jesus.

What's becoming more and more fascinating to me is how simple this approach is. Well, on the one hand, it's simple, but sometimes the stumbling block to people is that what we're talking about IS so simple. Just in the past couple of weeks we have had some interesting, brief sessions with pastors, doctors, corporate executives, non-religious neighbors and a variety of turned-off people and in these sessions we simply shared our experience, strength and hope in walking with Jesus and with others. The message of the simple good news of Jesus is so easily caught and embraced. It just doesn't take long at all. So, the trio walked into Thessalonica and walked out nearly three weeks later with a powerful impact. This is because it is easily caught. In fact, this walk with Jesus and with one another is more effectively caught than taught.

So, who has God brought into your life? And, are you investing in them? Well, when you do, you will find that the joy of seeing others grow and develop spiritually is the most thrilling thing you'll ever know. I love speaking before a group of thousands of people. It is definitely a thrill for me to take on the challenge of moving the audience to some sort of action. HOWEVER, the most thrilling thing I do today is investing my life in a few, and sometimes it's more than a few. But seeing the light bulbs come on in the mind and heart of a person, when he really "gets it" about Jesus Plus Nothing is the most thrilling experience ever. I glory and find great joy in seeing others grow and develop in their walk with Jesus and with others. There is no greater satisfaction. When I hear that a person--man or woman--has actually shared with someone that he or she is doing the most difficult thing ever and that is following the principles and teachings of Jesus. Now that is a simple thing, but that is also most remarkable and life-changing.

NOTE one other thing. The trio believed that Satan was most interested in thwarting them from getting together. Now, if you were the devil, what would you do that would be most effective in stunting the movement of Jesus in this world? You would do everything you could do to discourage followers of Jesus from getting together. So, remember this, investing your life in others will give you great joy, but there is always someone who will be coming around the corner to rob you of your joy.

This reminds me of the words of James, when he said, "Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." Make certain that you are spending your time doing the best things, mentoring or discipling others, investing your life in them. One of the greatest struggles in your life will be discerning between the good and the best. it's the GOOD that always seems to take precedence over the BEST.