1 Thessalonians 5:14-22 – “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.  16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.”  NKJV

 

Here we find just a few of the many biblical directives for the believer regarding our attitudes, reactions, relations, and daily lives.  I contend that if we make them rules or religious lists we will fail miserably but if we seek to have ‘Christ in us the Hope of Glory’ and allow Him to live His life through us we can and will succeed.  It is a matter of life vs. legalism in a very real sense.

Consider the directives:

• Warn the unruly among us.

That does not mean chastise those who are not doing things or living the way you want them to. It means those who are disruptive and detracting from Christian unity. 

• Comfort the fainthearted.

Most of us would readily acknowledge that and sincerely try to do so but sometimes become weary with the perpetual weariness of some who never seem to come out of the doldrums and tend to turn the focus inward and live in a continual state of personal pity. 

• Uphold the weak.

Wait, if I grow weary with the fainthearted then I have already failed in upholding the weak.  Everyone is not at the same level of maturity or understanding and therefore we should always consider the ‘weaker’ or perceived ‘weaker’ brother or sister.  Remember that you once were a newbie to the Christian faith and were ‘weak’.  Don’t remember that?  God does! 

• Stand against Vengeance and Retaliation.

God has demanded the ‘vengeance’ belongs to Him, not because He is vengeful but because He is Holy and if left to us it would degenerate into a vile thing but if He keeps that for Himself it become divine justice and is laced with mercy. 

• Always pursue good for yourself and others.

Do I really need to say anything regarding that?

• Attitude of Rejoicing, Praying, and Thanksgiving is to be the normal natural and daily part of our lives.
• Do not quench the Spirit and do not despise prophecies but Test all things and Hold fast that which is good.

If we adopted that last item we would move so far toward satisfying the others it would be remarkable.  I encourage you to seek God first and above all else and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your life, guard your mouth, and grant you access to the mind of Christ.  May He walk with you as you go through this day!  Blessings!