Based on 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6a, we can conclude that in coming alongside of people in ministry, we need to keep our message true to God’s Word and our motives pure. When that happens, our methodology will be filled with integrity. So, check your methods. If there’s any form of manipulation, something’s askew.
For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed – God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. (1 Thess. 2:3-6a)
Check Your Methods to Make Sure They’re Upright
Paul said he never used trickery, flattery, or cover-ups. All of that would have been manipulating people into doing what he wanted them to do. How he treated people stemmed from an upright heart, one that was genuine and maintained the right motives. He would set aside his own comfort, convenience, and rights to win people to the Lord (1 Cor. 9:19-23), but not in deceptive, self-serving ways. To help identify how our methods may not always be fully upright, read:
- Trying to Attract People to Your Church Through Manipulation?
- Trying to Attract People to Your Church by What You Offer?
Think about it: The message we proclaim comes from the Almighty God, the One of whom there’s none greater. Why would we think God needs our help to manipulate people into believing and changing? Isn’t God’s Word powerful enough to thoroughly equip people (2 Tim. 3:16-17)? Isn’t it “alive and active” (Heb. 4:12), sufficient to produce faith and lead to salvation (Rom. 1:16; 10:17; 1 Pet. 1:23-25)? Remember, God’s Word is “sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).
How to Safeguard Your Methodology
Paul went to great pains to be upright because He sought approval from God, not people. What God thought mattered more than any perceived benefit from others. He knew that doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord also benefited others (2 Cor. 8:21). For that reason he told Timothy, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Tim. 4:16) That would take diligence and giving himself wholly to it (1 Tim. 4:15).
Paul likened the discipline needed to that of the strict training needed to win in a sports competition. He said, “Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Cor. 9:24-27) — How far are you willing to go to make sure your ministry methods remain upright, approved by God?