Issue 14 - Day 7

1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
16)  Rejoice evermore.
17)  Pray without ceasing.
18)  In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19)  Quench not the Spirit.
20)  Despise not prophesyings.
21)  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22)  Abstain from all appearance of evil.

The problem with rules is they tend to be, “do not...”, and while we are told here not to quench the Spirit, this could also be said as “Let the Spirit work in you, and appreciate prophecy”. It is always better to do, rather than to not do. When you are actively doing the will of God that will automatically mean you are not doing wrong.

So, do rejoice and pray. There is never a bad time to pray, and never a time when there is nothing to rejoice over. Even in the deepest trials and moments of despair we have still been assured of eternity with Christ, therefore you can rejoice. I don’t doubt that Christ himself, in anguish upon the cross, did not jump around filled with laughter, and there can never be a worse place for anyone to be in. However, even in that moment, he quotes, and applies to himself Psalm 22, which is a triumphant celebration of the deliverance and power that was to come as a direct result of what was happening. In that moment Christ could also rejoice in accomplishing his father’s will.

Finally, check everything to be sure it is good, and hold on to that. Then, even if you know something is technically okay, still don’t do it if it looks to be wrong, or even some people think it to be wrong. God deserves purity.