1 Thessalonians 5:13-22
O: Live in peace with one another. God calls the church to be unified-But everyday I see many instances of disunity and conflict in the church. The hungry aren't fed, the broken aren't comforted, and the list goes on. It's not as though the church needs to shape-shift to meet the needs of everyone, but rather...the church needs to obey God in the sense that we should "always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people." Such a command is not found to be easy to follow because it is a collective effort for the body of Christ to reach out to the hurt, hungry, and broken.
(A:) A really simple application to my observation of the unity in the church is to reach out. My heart naturally goes out to the troublemakers (probably because I was one myself) that don't draw a good crowd around them. If every single person in the church took one moment in their day on a Sunday to physically lay hands on someone and pray for them, I bet there would be so many people who would be so encouraged-to say we will pray for someone after hearing their struggles or problems is one thing, but to simply be the hands and feet of Christ, even just for a moment could drastically change people and their mindset towards one another. I have been trying to do this for some time, but I think I've been failing to see the opportunities to pray for someone because my heart has been on the cloudy side-but I hope that I can recognize the need and reach out to someone.
(O:) The latter half of this portion of Scripture is my favorite though! Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
This is a very practical way to follow Christ-because the truth of the matter is that our spirit should constantly be encouraged by the fact that God has chosen us, saved us, and continues to do a good work in us daily! What reason is there to not rejoice? None at all!
And to pray without ceasing-what a command, what a discipline-but I believe that if we are to be reminded of the constant joy in our lives, we ought to meditate on the great privilege and joy in knowing Christ at all times. Why should we draw away from God at times to sink into the world, only to return to Him during "sacred" times of prayer or church gatherings? To pray ceaselessly goes hand in hand with the command of rejoicing always.
And in everything give thanks, because every moment is given to us by God. Every moment is another gift and means of living for Him. Even in the darkest and most troubling times, when we pray ceaselessly, we are reminded that Christ is still who He is, and that joy is still found in Him-and so, we give thanks at all times.
(A:) So what shall I do, but obviously take in my daily bread (like now) and pray ceaselessly-it's not as if I need to be crying out every moment for salvation of others or desperately interceding for the worlds behalf (although, I probably should do those things on a daily basis as well of course), but to be with Him and set my heart towards Him at all times. And by doing so, I will rejoice and give thanks at all times.
P: Lord, it all points to Your Son-if it were not for Your grace, there would be no hope. How kind You are and how wonderful and blessed am I to be treated with Your love. You are a God who calls His people to be joyful, and for good reason! I praise the fact that You do not push to confuse or to set upon me, blind commandments-but that You set an order amidst Your kingdom and that in Your Word, there is real truth and sense. Father, on so many days, I forget to think upon Your cross and I fail to be joyous, caught up with my worldly concerns and pleasures. Forgive my wandering heart, I will try my best to apply myself in praying ceaselessly, so that I may find true joy-not in the actual prayer or reading of Your Word, but in Christ, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Help me Holy Spirit, it's no easy feat for a mere man to set his heart upon Christ, no matter how sweet You may be-my heart is deceptive and I am foolish, but make me wise in Your Word and prone to obeying truth found in Him. May You unify Your people through the faithful who long for the good of everyone-and those who take action to turn hearts toward You. All these things I pray in Christ, amen.
Soli Deo Gloria
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