August 26 | 1 Thessalonians 5:15-24

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DAILY READING

1 Thessalonians 5:15-24

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REFLECTION

HE IS FAITHFUL

By Beth Voltmann

Did you take time to read our Scripture today? I don’t know about you, but I find it a bit daunting! At first review, lines 15-22 sound like an inventory of “works” I must do in order to remain in God’s will:

·      Don’t pay back wrong for wrong

·      Always strive to do good

·      Rejoice always

·      Pray continually

·      Give thanks in all circumstances

·      Do not quench the Spirit

·      Don’t treat prophecies with contempt but test them

·      Hold on to what is good

·      Reject every kind of evil

Oh, is that all, Lord?

Am I truly expected to check all those boxes?

For more than one day?

More than one hour?

If I fall into the mindset that I can obtain righteousness by striving to be holy, I will fail before I even begin! So, why then does Paul write “always strive to do good?”  (v. 15) After looking at other translations, I better understand his urging:

·      “always try to do good” (NLT)

·      “always seek to do good” (ESV)

·      “always pursue what is good” (CSB)

·      “ever follow that which is good” (KJV)

In fact, the definition of the Greek word for “strive”, as used in this verse, means “to press on”. Aha! Now it begins to make sense. Remember Monday’s reading? Paul encouraged believers with his own testimony of faith: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)

While pondering today’s Bible passage as part of our current Faithful Response series (reflected by the picture of a tree with deep roots and rich fruit), I realized that verses 15-22 are not “must dos” but the fruit that comes from a life deeply rooted in God. If I abide in God, He will provide the strength and direction I need to press on (seek, pursue, follow) the path given so that my life will bear good fruit. My focus must be on the power of God and not myself.

If you, like me, think this sounds like an impossible assignment, rest in God’s peace. He has called us. He is able to keep us blameless through the blood of our Lord Jesus. He is faithful. He will do it. Lift your head and press on!

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

PRAYER

Lord God,

Thank you for calling me into eternal life through Christ Jesus. Forgetting what is behind and looking toward what is ahead, I ask for strength to press on heavenward. When I fall, please pick me up, dust me off, and place me on the straight path once again. I desire to be deeply rooted in Your Word and Your Way. I lean on Your faithfulness and not my own.

In the mighty name of Jesus,

Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BETH VOLTMANN

After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.