
Dear GCI Family and Friends,
The apostle Paul writes to the beloved believers in Thessalonica, reminding them to live vigilantly, with clear thinking, as they anticipate the pending coming of the Lord. Not only are believers, then and now, to be awake and sober, but we are to be armed and guarded.
In I Thessalonians 5:8, we see the preeminent graces of faith, hope, and love that mark the kingdom-minded people of God and keep them centered in the person and purpose of Jesus. Hope being rooted in Jesus is the assurance of his work in the world today and his pending coming. Faith is the motive within, the abiding relationship with Jesus that colors our thoughts, desires, and actions. Love has transformed you and me and is exhibited in outward ways as we worship the triune God and serve our neighbors. Paul has this thread of teaching in all his letters to the early church because he knows this is how they (and we) stay wrapped in Jesus and are empowered to act as kingdom citizens now.
Paul spells out more details as to how we more intentionally live kingdom life now and represent him well until his return.
But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 NRSVUE
Paul begins this passage by appealing to us that we respect and tangibly honor the pastors and church officers who labor among us because their work is meant for our good. I would echo this about our church leaders around the world. I see that they are Christ-centered, dedicated people who sacrificially serve the church. I say a big Thank You to them!
Read MoreI invite you to go back and re-read the quoted scriptures. This time, look for words like all, always, without ceasing, and entirely. You could circle or highlight these words.
What did you learn from this exercise? For me, I see how Paul is inspiring us to be “all in.” When you read the record of Paul’s personal life you see a transformed persecutor of the church who became an amazing champion for the church, who lost all earthly reputation and status to stake everything in knowing Jesus (even in suffering and to the power of the resurrection).
Being sold out to Jesus and reflecting Jesus to the world around us is the most counterculture practice that we could possibly engage in. The imperatives in Paul’s robust teaching are to encourage and build up. Actively doing this inside the church seems quite natural, but Paul says we are to be this way with all people. This is how the kingdom witness of the Church will happen in your neighborhood and in mine.
Allow me to give you another assignment. Methodically go through the list of actions in this passage, asking yourself, “How am I doing in this area?”
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- Esteeming the church leaders in my life.
- Being at peace with others.
- Graciously confronting idlers.
- Encouraging the downcast.
- Helping the weak (James says to especially care for widows and orphans).
- Being patient with others.
- Actively seeking to do good to all people.
- Expressing joy.
- Having a vibrant prayer life.
- Leaning into the guidance of the Spirit.
- Discerning between good and evil and then choosing the good.
- Taking to heart the teaching of my pastor and church.
- Minding the condition of my body, mind, and soul with intention.
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Wow! That’s quite a list for consideration. Perhaps this would be a wonderful guide during this season of Easter Preparation?
I have one exceptionally important disclaimer that cannot be missed. These are not virtuous qualities or behaviors that can be accomplished by the human spirit. It is the One who calls you, loves you, and empowers you who will be faithful to accomplish these things in you — it is Jesus, the King of the kingdom.
Intentionally living kingdom values,
Greg