The state of Indiana will issue about 200,000 driving permits and driver’s licenses in 2026 to teenagers. Read 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5. Last week, I saw a celebration post from one of our Wesley Chapel moms. She posted a picture of her son standing outside the BMV with his paper certificate, called a driving permit. We give young people incredible responsibility and trust them with a vehicle. As Christians, we are given the responsibility to guard the gospel. We are not to guard it in a way that keeps people away from the gospel. We are to guard it by giving it tremendous care when we pass it on to others. Paul and Silas passed the gospel to the people of Thessalonica. Thessalonica was a major city with approximately 200,000 people. In just three weeks, a Christian community was formed. Paul continued his missionary journey through Greece before sending Timothy back to Thessalonica to continue the work of growing the church. Paul recognized that the church was doing good work, carrying out the mission of making disciples. Paul described the work of the church as being produced by faith, prompted by love, and inspired by hope.  Healthy Churches learn how to include emerging adults by giving them responsibility and leadership. When we are examples of faith, hope, and love, the next generation learns how to lead by being faithful, hopeful, and loving. Just as we give teenagers the responsibility of driving a vehicle, we must learn to trust them with the gospel message.

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for loving us and giving us everlasting consolation. Continue to give us good hope by grace, comforting our hearts, and establishing us in every good word and work. Amen.