BARGAINS GALORE

1 Thessalonians 1


If we have a good experience somewhere, there is a tendency to tell our friends about it. Like when we discover a new restaurant, that we like, we recommend it to others. The examples can go on and on. But the basic thing is, if we like it we let people know about it.
Companies rely on friend to friend advertisement to improve business.
Ever watch kids at play? When I was a kid, we would pretend to be some hero or another when we played, I have noticed the same thing today. It doesn't matter if it's a sports hero or a TV character, kids imitate what they see, whether it's good or bad. Unfortunately, that applies to us too. Kids will imitate their parents.
But, we're not talking about TV, sports, or parents here, we're talking about one of the letters of Paul.
Paul was famous for telling others to follow him while he followed Christ.

4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,
5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.
6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

The “follow me” tactics really worked for the Thessalonian people, as well as others. We have to remember that the letters Paul wrote, as well as the other books of the new testament, were copied and read in all the churches just as they are today. Talk about getting the word out there, Boy Howdy.
Before long every Christian knew of the people of Thessalonica and how they were examples to follow.

8 The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,

The message of the gospel went to the known world through word of mouth means. And, I am pretty sure that everybody wanted to imitate not only the Thessalonians, but Paul as well.
How about you? Can anybody say that you're following the example of Paul?
If not, why not?