1Thes 2:4
4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (KJV)
Admittedly, I Thessalonians is one of the earlier writings we have from Paul (some commentators believe it to be his earliest letter). Nevertheless, Paul had enough experience under his belt to speak with authority to the Thessalonian believers. Earlier in this chapter (just two verses prior), Paul refers to his sufferings at Philippi.
To make a long story (very) short, Paul's ministry seemed to have been cut short in Philippi. He casts a demon out of a woman, ends up in prison as his reward, and God supernaturally delivers him (the account is found in Acts 16 if anyone wants to read the back-story). They were kindly asked to leave the city shortly thereafter (Acts 16:39).
When Paul writes to the Thessalonian believers, he assures them that his motives in preaching the Gospel were pure. His purity of motives could be trusted, because he affirmed that God continually tried his heart. The word translated as "trieth" (in the KJV) is the Greek word 'dokimazo'. It means: to test, discern, examine, prove, etc.
Without a doubt, Paul's life was filled with difficulties. You will rarely hear a sermon about this, but when Jesus called Paul to the ministry, He remarked about the "great things" Paul would have to suffer (Acts 9:16). Doubtless, the trials Paul endured (read 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 for a brief summary of what life was like for Paul), helped to purify his motives.
There are times, when I am confident that my motives for ministry are 100% pure. Rarely do I sense or feel the need for God to try me and see if that's the case. But the Word of God tells me that He will try my heart, to make sure my motives are pure. More often than not, He will use adversity as a tool of refinement. Just when I think that I've been tested enough, I'm reminded that I'm no better than Paul. Scripture would seem to indicate that Paul was continually on trial from the devil, from his critics, and from those who sought to undermine his efforts.
So the next time you are going through a difficult season of life, try to take a positive approach to it all. I know it's much easier said than done, but try to remember that God loves us enough to help us keep our motives pure. Jesus gave an example in the famous "sermon on the mount" that illustrates this point. He said it's possible to do "the right thing" for the wrong reasons (praying, giving, and fasting). Let's not forget that why we do what we do is as important as what we do.
Until next time...
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