In the following passage, believers are given a somewhat startling injunction. It flies in the face of our human nature, yet we are commanded to live under its auspices ...
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
When obeyed, these precepts become evidence of one's abiding faith; a sign that spiritual maturity has come to bear.
1) Rejoice always - The pressures under which we live today seek to crush one's spirit, but a Christian sees through eyes of faith. His joy isn’t superficial (based on willed ignorance of, or insensitivity to, the painful realities of this life) ... but is instead the result of his treasured relationship with God through Christ.
2) Pray without ceasing - This does not mean a 'non-stop' expression of yourself with spoken words. Prayer can and should exist as an 'atmosphere' in which your spirit dwells, a continual surrendering of your heart to the Lord's authority over every aspect of your day; it is a constant communion with Him.
3) In everything give thanks - At all times, in every situation, under every circumstance ... we are to be grateful. Thanksgiving is often an act of sheer faith. Our intellect says 'get upset and complain' when things don't go our way, but the Lord says, 'give thanks in all things'. When we do (not legalistically but through the Spirit), we are indeed blessed.
These are an ornament to be worn around the neck of every believer ... emblematic of God's amazing grace, on display before a lost and dying world.
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