Good morning -
Could it really be that simple? Is it really the answer to one of our biggest questions? Apparently so.
"in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Every follower of Christ seeks to know the will of the Lord for their life. Much time, effort, and prayer goes in to learning His will for us in areas such as career, marriage, service, and where to live. But could His will be as simple as "in everything give thanks"? Perhaps it really is that simple.
There is often a misconception regarding Paul's words here that require an important clarification. There is a world of difference between the word "in" and "for". I've talked with believers who thought these words indicated that God's will is that we should be thankful FOR everything. It is important that we see that we are directed to be thankful in the midst of everything rather than FOR everything. Regardless of our circumstances, we must never lose the ability to be thankful because this truly is God's will for us in Christ Jesus.
Thankfulness is to be the pervading attitude of those who eagerly expect the return of Christ and the establishment of the kingdom of God. We are reminded to "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17) as well as to give thanks in everything. The overwhelming joy and expectation that the return of Christ brings to our lives expresses itself through perpetual rejoicing and prayer. Eternal optimism concerning the outcome of our lives powerfully motivates praise, prayer, and thanksgiving.
The Church at Thessalonica to which Paul addressed this important letter had a distorted view regarding how to live in response to the fact of the return of Jesus. Their belief in his soon return led them to quite their jobs, shirk daily responsibilities, and idly look up in expectation every day. Zealous believers throughout the ages have done similar things; even in our age today. Not many years ago a band of followers ascended a mountain and waited naked for the Second Coming, expecting to be clothed in immortality. At some point these cold, disappointed disciples must have returned to normal life and reevaluated their response to the hope of Christ's return.
If we believe, we will be moved to rejoice, pray and be thankful. It really is that simple. A life today of thankful, optimistic service, outreach, and holiness is the most fitting response to the motivating hope of tomorrow.
Seeking to cultivate praise, thanks, and joy while waiting,
Pastor Steve
Could it really be that simple? Is it really the answer to one of our biggest questions? Apparently so.
"in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Every follower of Christ seeks to know the will of the Lord for their life. Much time, effort, and prayer goes in to learning His will for us in areas such as career, marriage, service, and where to live. But could His will be as simple as "in everything give thanks"? Perhaps it really is that simple.
There is often a misconception regarding Paul's words here that require an important clarification. There is a world of difference between the word "in" and "for". I've talked with believers who thought these words indicated that God's will is that we should be thankful FOR everything. It is important that we see that we are directed to be thankful in the midst of everything rather than FOR everything. Regardless of our circumstances, we must never lose the ability to be thankful because this truly is God's will for us in Christ Jesus.
Thankfulness is to be the pervading attitude of those who eagerly expect the return of Christ and the establishment of the kingdom of God. We are reminded to "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17) as well as to give thanks in everything. The overwhelming joy and expectation that the return of Christ brings to our lives expresses itself through perpetual rejoicing and prayer. Eternal optimism concerning the outcome of our lives powerfully motivates praise, prayer, and thanksgiving.
The Church at Thessalonica to which Paul addressed this important letter had a distorted view regarding how to live in response to the fact of the return of Jesus. Their belief in his soon return led them to quite their jobs, shirk daily responsibilities, and idly look up in expectation every day. Zealous believers throughout the ages have done similar things; even in our age today. Not many years ago a band of followers ascended a mountain and waited naked for the Second Coming, expecting to be clothed in immortality. At some point these cold, disappointed disciples must have returned to normal life and reevaluated their response to the hope of Christ's return.
If we believe, we will be moved to rejoice, pray and be thankful. It really is that simple. A life today of thankful, optimistic service, outreach, and holiness is the most fitting response to the motivating hope of tomorrow.
Seeking to cultivate praise, thanks, and joy while waiting,
Pastor Steve
posted by steve @ 9:38 AM
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