… this is the will of Godin Christ Jesus for you. I Thess. 5:18b
Tomorrow many will declare a resolution to turn-over-a-new-leaf in a given area. It seems that those which we usually hear of involve an exercise routine, perhaps a change in diet, reading every page of the Bible or a change of behavior in some new or forgotten way. Though any might be very helpful, may I suggest a biblical list of intent to take on— for this year and for all of our days. Written in staccato fashion, from the Holy Spirit through the pen of Paul, we are given a list of actions that are absolutely in the center of God’s will.
Unlike so many of our resolutions, these goals have both immediate and eternal significance. Not only advantageous to us personally, but they fan out to others… those in the family of Christ, and those we hope will soon enter in. Following, both in the NKJV and the Phillips is this list for wise living… for all of our days on this side of eternity—
- recognize those who labor among you, over you in the Lord and admonish you,
- esteem them very highly in love
- get to know those who work so hard among you. They are your spiritual leaders to keep you on the right path, hold them in highest honour
- be at peace among yourselves, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted
- live together in peace, reprimand the unruly, encourage the timid
- uphold the weak, be patient with all
- help the weak, be very patient with all men
- see that no one renders evil for evil to anyone
- be sure that no one repays a bad turn by a bad turn
- always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all
- good should be your objective always, among yourselves and in the world at large
- rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks
- be happy in your faith at all times, never stop praying, be thankful whatever your
- circumstances might be.
- for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you
If you follow this advice you will be working out the will of God expressed to you in Christ Jesus
May God guide our steps, may we follow Him, faithful in His ways,
Maranatha!