Yesterday we looked at what is called the Final Instructions in Paul's letter to the Colossians. Today we look at his "final instructions" in I Thessalonians 5:
12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
In one sense, I think we could call this paragraph "Signs of a Thankful Life." Think about that. If you are thankful for the pastor or other leader God has placed over you, how can you show him honor, gratitude? Respond to their teaching; realize how much they love you; respect each other, keeping a spirit of peace. Those are the things a pastor wants to see. I know. Secondly, a life of thanksgiving is shown by how we deal with each other. When we see God provides for us, and gives us the satisfaction of labor so we have enough, our thankful hearts will want to encourage the same behavior in each other. When we have been given strength and encouragement to go on when tempted to give us, our heart of thanksgiving will in turn try to give the same to someone else. When we truly understand God's patience and forgiveness, with thankful hearts we will be patient and forgive, instead of looking for ways to retaliate and get back at someone who hurt us. Thirdly, thankfulness overflows. It reveals itself in a joy in all situations, and is seen in us when we keep praying with thanksgiving, and asking God to reveal more of His will for us. Finally, because we understand that God is good and wants what is best for us, we will allow His Spirit to work in our lives to change us, and we will abhor what is displeasing to Him - any evil thoughts, words, motives or actions, because He is Good. May we give God a thankful life, for He is good.
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