Working With Instructions

I Thessalonians 5:12-28

Here is the end of our journey through 1 Thessalonians. But it ends with some very practical instructions for living. I am not always very good with instructions, if the instructions are not written down. For example, try to give me directions to somewhere without writing them down. I would end up in downtown Atlanta (try to find your way around there). When my kids get presents, I am the one who is tasked with assembling the goodies. I usually have the instructions spread out all over the floor but the item gets together. I may end up with extra parts but the item looks like the picture, and it works.

Take the instructions from Paul. Many times we miss simple steps in putting our lives together when we miss small parts that need to be inserted, for example, prayer. Paul says we should respect those "over you in the Lord." Many people use this as a way of manipulating others in "the name of Jesus." Respect comes with time. Leadership is earned and learned. Manipulation and misguidance come with trying to lord over someone instead of trying to respect them. When I became a sergeant in the military, I had earned the right to lead, but the title did not make me a leader. Sure soldiers had to follow, but arrogance can quickly lead to a shot in the back (literally and figuratively). Paul says to hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.

Our actions whether we like it or not influence others, and influence is what leadership is all about. So how do we govern our lives so as to be godly influences? Paul lists numerous lifestyle enhancers. Do not be idle (a nice way of saying lazy). Encourage the timid (shy). Be patient with everyone (even your worst enemy). Do not practice revenge but show kindness instead. Be joyful always (do not mope around). Pray continually (Jesus said He is with us until the end - so we might as well talk to Him from time to time). Give thanks in all circumstances (here is where keeping in touch with Jesus pays off) because this is God's will for us.

As a Pentecostal, I cannot help but love verse 19. Do not put out the Spirit's fire. This means do not live immoral lives nor approach worship mechanically so as to discourage free worship or the gifts of the Spirit (I could write a book on this one). Do not discount prophecy in the church but test them (prophecy can be tested). Avoid every kind of evil (self explanatory unless you are knee deep in evil).

The Bible is a book of instructions that lives through us and in us. It enables us to construct a life that is worthy of God. Have you felt as if a piece was missing lately? Get out the instruction book and check out what it says to you.

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