Paul's Soundbites

Scripture: Now we exhort you, brothers, warn those who are unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, and be patient toward everyone. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone. But always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Examine all things. Firmly hold onto what is good. Abstain from all appearances of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22

Observation: In his closing to the Thessalonian church, Paul gives this series of one-line instruction. He follows the "we exhort you" statement with 14 instructions, some as short as two or three words. They cover ... avoiding evil, looking to goodness, examining teachings, accepting certain gifts, acknowledging the work of the Holy Spirit, thanking God, prayer, worship, pursuing good actions, helping others avoid pitfalls, showing patience, assisting the weak, comforting those in pain, and warning others in the church against wrong actions.

In other letters from Paul, these topics aren't phases, they are chapters. These are critical and important lessons regarding the behavior of the church, covered often, and certainly all are important ... so important that Paul just couldn't write a letter on a different topic without at least throwing these into the mix as reminders. However, in the middle of this entire list are two instructions that seem to trump all others for their urgency and volume, but also for their stark brevity.

Rejoice always - Worship and rejoice over everything. Praise God for the good, celebrate with God for the everyday, and sing to God through hardship.

Pray continually - Never stop talking to God. God is your father, counselor, savior, and guide who loves you. Talk to him about everything, at all times, in all circumstances.

In the construction of these soundbites, these two little tiny phrases - each so important that they are their own two verses - mark a transition from "here is how to behave with each other" to "here is how to behave toward God." These are the bedrock of a relationship with God - worship and prayer.

Application: I seek daily to walk closer with God. These, then, are the keys - my prayer life, and my worship and rejoicing in daily life. These are not to be things I do daily. They are to be things I do continually - always - at all times, without ceasing, all day. I am not to pray in the morning and in the evening, I am to pray in every thought, step, action, situation, consideration. I am not to rejoice only when I have a good day and then hear a good song, I am to rejoice in all circumstances and regarding all situations in my life.

This is a true daily walk with God.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your lessons, your love, your counsel, your correction, your judgment, and your mercy. I do seek you daily. May I truly foster our relationship through this continual connection with you in prayer and worship. I turn my thoughts, my life, my ways, and my heart over to you. Amen.