The third chapter of 1 Thessalonians is devoted to Paul's expression of care for the church at Thessalonica while he was still in Athens. In this text we see Paul's pastoral heart, not a man full of ambition. He sounded more like a father and a coach.

Typically, ambitious people are mainly concern about themselves, not about others. A father and coach identifies with, and derives satisfaction from, his children or those he is serving. As a pastor, I understand Paul's sentiment perfectly.

While pastor's have (or should have) other interests outside the congregation, we always feel intimately connected to the condition of God's people. The nature of that connection drives our sense of encouragement and joy. If God's people are blessed and walking properly with God, the weight of our trials and challenges, even personal ones, seem lighter.

When people are wayward, unfaithful or forsake Christ (Head and body) in any way, it affects our heart and mindset in a way that ambitious people could never understand.

If you want to please God and bless your pastor, do has Paul suggested, "Stand firm in the Lord."