1 Thessalonians 5:23

Devotional Thoughts

By David Wilkerson

Paul was an effective preacher who could stand boldly before people and testify, “My co-workers and I have lived blameless lives before you and God. Our conduct was righteous and pure. I always walk as if his eyes are on me and you are also witnesses to the way I live.” He wanted every believer to have the same power he had in directing people toward God through living a blameless life. But how can anyone live blamelessly, and what characterizes such a life?

1.The blameless Christian is one without deceit in his heart. Paul asserted that he was not a fraud, preaching one thing and yet living another. But he also warned that certain men were going about claiming to be apostles. “[But] such are false prophets, deceitful workers” (2 Corinthians 11:13). Paul said, “You can’t fake a blameless walk.”

2.The blameless Christian lives a clean life. “Our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness” (1 Thessalonians 2:3). Paul’s emphasis here is on sensuality, lust. He is saying, “Nothing unclean came out of my mouth. My conversation was pure, coming forth from a clean heart.” Someone whose heart has been cleansed should not tell dirty jokes, make sexual innuendoes or have roving eyes. 

3.The blameless Christian is without guile, which means he is not deceitful or manipulative. There is no hidden agenda with an honest and open believer. “For neither at any time did we use flattering words … nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others” (1 Thessalonians 2:5-6).

What distinguishes a blameless walk is a consuming desire to honor the name of Jesus before all men. Such a Christian would rather die than do or say anything that would bring reproach on the Lord. Although he is not perfect, he is pursuing the righteousness of Christ by faith.

Set your heart to be blameless now — today! Desire it with everything in you and soon you will discover God’s great favor upon your life. Your word