Commands

1 Thess. 4:9-12

Paul has given commands to the Thessalonians, commands that concern their [and our] daily living. First is to love one another. Pretty basic but so often forgotten! Col. 3: 14 says, Above all these put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 1 Cor. 13 describes the qualities of this love, patient, kind, does not envy or boast, is not arrogant or rude, does not insist on its own way, is not irritable or resentful, does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Yikes! That pretty much spells it out. Quite the command! Who can do it? No one apart from the strength and grace that God supplies. I would think that most people have a long way to go on this command. 

Secondly, to aspire to live quietly. How is that even possible in our day and age? So much noise, commotion, and hurrying from one event to another. Crowding so much into each day barely leaving time to think. Yet, we are commanded to do this. We must then evaluate our life styles. Are we crowding too much into each day? Are we seeking time to be quiet and listen to God, to soak in His word and cherish our time with Him. 

Then, to mind our own affairs. It makes me laugh to think of this since we even have TV shows centered around minding other people's affairs! But personally, why this command? Perhaps it has to do with keeping us from judging others. If we are minding our own affairs, we can then focus on praying for others without throwing our 2 cent's worth into their lives. We can begin to see these people from God's point of view not ours.

Finally, to work with our hands so that we would not be dependent on others and be walking properly before others. It is not right that we be moochers or beggars without seeking employment. Also too much time on our hands breeds problems like countless hours surfing the web. Funny how this phrase is not really used anymore. How many people actually work with their hands? It is something for us to think about and apply. Are we providing for ourselves as much as is possible?

All of these commands are necessary for pleasing the Lord. It is right that we pray about them and ask God for the strength and grace to implement them. There is always the possibility that wherever there is a list, we will make it something we check off. But not so in God's realm! As Paul said he worked as hard as he could but through the grace of God that was in him. This is what we must do!

Father,

Thank You for these practical words today. Help me to obey in all areas.

In Jesus name,

Amen