YouVersion

In verses 4-8 we read of how Paul didn't try to promote himself or any selfish motives to the Thessalonians on his visit with them. He is reminding them that his time spent with them wasn't for his sake, but for God's glory and their benefit. They didn't have some type of agenda that they were trying to accomplish outside of spreading God's word.

Too often today people try to attach something to the Gospel so that they can reap a benefit. Too many pastors and evangelists try to promote the message of Christ and add a little twist at the end such as "all you have to do is send $xx and you'll receive 100 fold in blessings from God!" and they manipulate people into believing that Good News comes at a price. People are exploited on a daily basis in "the name of God" because these messengers choose money over God.

There's nothing wrong with being supported by churches and people in order to continue to spread the Gospel (cf. 1 Th. 2:7; 2 Cor. 8:3-6; 2 Cor. 9:1-9), but there is something wrong when that's the sole purpose of being with those people. Paul said that they weren't trying to seek money or even human praise for that matter. In fact they didn't want the Thessalonians to believe that so they worked like common people and earned their own money while being with them. They were willing to share their lives before they made any demands of monetary contribution (vs. 7-8). How little does that happen today? The reality is this what Jesus commanded His disciples to do in Matt. 10:9-10. He said that His messengers should go out not taking/seeking money but rather going out and proving (i.e. living/working among the common people) that they are worth any type of support!

At this point I'm not sure if Paul had to remind the church about this because it was something they were struggling with or because it was his example that helped them become an example to the other believers (read ch. 1). My guess would be that the latter of the 2 is true. The moral of the story is that our lives must be an example first to other believers before we expect any acceptance or monetary return. As messengers and communicators of God's love it's important that we love God and love people more than we love money or the praise from people. Even when we may "deserve" something in return it's better to live in love sharing the Good News than to demand something and tarnish the name of God.