1 Thessalonians 5

12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

As we have seen in some of the previous scriptures that I have posted, these versus emphasizes the importance of how you live your life. I've said it before and I'll say it again. God knows better than we do, what makes for a good life. This concept is very difficult for us to grasp most of the time. When we are young we have the same kind of reaction to our parent's direction and suggestions. We think we know better. Then we get older and realize that they were right in what they said. Most adults feel that they have overcome this rebellion and laugh about it with their friends telling stories about how they did this and that as a kid and "I'm sure glad I got past that stage." But we find ourselves doing the same thing to God and his guidance for our lives.

16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

This scripture comes up a lot around Thanksgiving, and while we are less than a month away from that holiday, that was not then intention of this post. I feel that this scripture is all-to-often forgotten after the holiday season. How much better are our lives when we adhere to these three commands?

19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire; 20 do not treat prophecies with contempt. 21 Test everything. Hold on to the good. 22 Avoid every kind of evil.
23 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. 24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

May God bless each of you in your walk.