Daily Devotional for Thursday, May 2

Be Thankful and Careful

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil,” 1 Thessalonians 5:18-22.

One of my first jobs as an adult I had was working for close friends as their personal assistant. I was responsible for helping with household duties along with assisting them in running their business. At times, I was left alone to oversee their home, their children and certain management responsibilities in their absence. Before they would leave me, they would give me a list of critical instructions that would insure I accomplished all the tasks I needed to fulfill. Those final marching orders were always critical for my success and the success of their household and business.

In much the same way, Paul seemed to have given bullet points of critical instructions before he finished his letter to the Thessalonians. Each of these instructions that Paul gave were individually critical yet necessarily connected to each other. A thankful heart is the will of God for every believer and a foundational principle by which we should live. Daily submission to the Holy Spirit is an absolute necessity for every Christian, especially those who are giving adherence to God’s Word, testing every spirit, clinging to biblical truths and abstinence from even the appearance of evil.

Each of these intertwined, individual commands are critical for a healthy Christian life. Just as my employers gave critical final instructions before they departed, Paul challenged us with this list of vital commands so that we may live a fruitful and growing Christian life.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Take heed to this list of instructions so that you may honor Christ with your life.

Steven Ridings