1. Do everything through faith, love and hope

You might be thinking, "well, that's obvious." But when it comes to actually fulfilling this, it isn't as easy as it might first appear to be.

We're all going to stumble at some points in our lives and find ourselves failing to act according to these principles. But as long as the majority of our behaviour is guided by them, then we can still be a great example to fellow believers.

"You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 1:6

2. Welcome God's Word in the midst of suffering with joy

It's easy to have faith when everything is going right, but the tougher testing comes during times of trouble.

Demonstrations of strong faith in periods of physical or emotional weakness provide other Christians with models to follow. When they're having a rough time or going through a bad patch, knowing that it's still possible in this day and age to respond to suffering with joy can help to spur them on to do so.

"For they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath." 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10

3. Turn from false idols and serve God

Obviously we've all turned away from false idols if we call ourselves Christians. Or have we? Remember we can slip into idolising different things—money, success, marriage—along our journey, especially if we lose sight of what matters to Him.

By turning your back completely on the temptation to try and balance pursuing God with the pursuit of worldly gains, you'll prove to other believers that it's possible when they're struggling to do the same.

4. Patiently wait on Jesus

Our world is full of immediate rewards and these can be extremely attractive. On the other hand, full realisation of our faith is something that we have to wait until Jesus returns.

When we see someone achieving something, our belief that we can do the same is reignited. Let others see how you anticipate Jesus' rescue despite the promises of other avenues which promise an escape from the world's trappings.