Being a good supplier
In 1 Thessalonians 3 verse 10, Paul gives us a fascinating way to think about ministry. In the first few chapters of his letter, he speaks very warmly about the church of the Thessalonians. He has recently learnt from Timothy that they are doing well as Christians (3:6), persevering in the face of trials (2:14), and he is greatly comforted by hearing about their faith (3:7). Yet Paul desperately wants to see them face to face (3:10-11). Why? Because he wants to “supply what is lacking in their faith”.
It isn't that their faith is failing; he has commended them already for the quality of their faith. Rather, faith by its nature can always be improved—particularly when we face circumstances where our faith is put under stress and strain. So as Christians we can always use encouragement. We can always be helped by being reminded of what the word of God, in all its vast dimensions, says to be true. Through these reminders, our faith grows; it is strengthened and enriched.
Paul sets an excellent example for us, and his attitude is one well worth adopting as we head from week to week to gatherings with our brothers and sisters in Christ—in larger church meetings, small home groups, Sunday school classes and so on. Ask yourself, “Do I long to see these people face to face so that I might supply—in whatever way I can—what might be lacking in their faith?” If the answer is ‘No’, consider what needs to change.