"You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children; so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory" (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
Two men were engaged in earnest conversation. The older one was beseeching the younger to consider the call of the Lord and to follow Him in Christian ministry.
"But I have never felt any compelling call to give my life in that way," the younger man protested.
"Are you sure that you are within calling distance?" the older man replied.
"To this end also we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power; in order that that name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12).
