In 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10, Paul is praising the Christians in Thessalonica for their growing faith and reputation as faithful followers of Christ. In verse four he confidently states, “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,” because of how the gospel came to them and how they received it. A great nugget, though, sits in the middle of the section in verse five.

“You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”

This specific knowledge, possessed by the Thessalonians, led to two major results: 1) They “became imitators of us and of the Lord…” (v. 6). 2) They “became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia…” (v. 7).

What stands out is the pattern that Example begets Imitation, which begets Example. Paul and his companions were very particular in the kinds of lives they lived among the Thessalonian people, knowing that their influence would be made or broken by that manner of life. The Thessalonians saw something in them that was worth imitating, which allowed them to live the same kinds of lives among the entire region. Paul’s Example led to Imitation by the Thessalonians, which led to them becoming Examples for Macedonia and Achaia.

You and I have all kinds of roles to play and circles we walk in. For example, I am a Christian, husband, father, son, brother, minister, instructor, and friend. In each of these functions I must recognize the reality of this pattern if I want to be effective and truly influential. The example I set will be imitated, on some level, by the people I interact with. Their imitation of my attitudes, actions, and mentalities will, in turn, become examples for the people they influence. Thus, like ripples from a stone in the water, my life can have some sort of impact on unknown and untold lives for a long time. The same is true for YOUR influence.

This is both an encouragement and a warning. For one, we know what kind of people we must be in order to represent God well. Scripture teaches us how to be holy, kind, gentle, generous, just, and strong. In doing so, we are challenged to live in a way that is worth imitating. It’s comforting that we can know what kind of life makes a good influence. On the other hand, a bad influence spreads with the same sort of effect as a good one. If we don’t live by those standards, that will also touch the lives of unknown people through the imitation of those we touched. The idea that I can have a network of influence for years to come is both sobering and powerful.

This is the time of year we often tend to reflect on how the last year has gone and what sorts of people we want to be in the coming year. As you evaluate your current state, remember the pattern of influence Paul described. Example begets Imitation, which begets Example. Are you setting the kind of example that will make a community better? Are you setting an example that, when imitated, will draw others closer to Jesus? If not, what needs to change?

Cory Waddell