Saturday, August 27, 2011
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
CALLED TO ... JOY
We can always find something to complain about. It's true. Human beings are particularly skilled in looking down at our feet, seeing only the bad things and ignoring all the good in our lives.
But that's only part of it. Human being are also particularly skilled at focusing our attention and hopes on things that either don't matter or that are dreadfully short term in the satisfaction department.
In Christ we are called to be different. We are called not to complain continually, but to rejoice. Now, this isn't just because we've got a "positive attitude." This isn't just because we've learned to get our head up and see the bigger world around us. In Christ we're called to be joyful because in Christ EVERY SINGLE PROBLEM in our lives finds its solution.
That's a pretty bold thing to say, but look at what Christ gives us: The guarantee that the sins of our past, present and future have already been forgiven in the high court of God's house. Not only that, God says we can call on Him anytime and He'll answer, not just with what we request, but with something better. Something we didn't even come into our imagination.
This is why the Christian CAN rejoice always. This is why the Christian CAN give thanks to God in each and every situation that arises. Even in the middle of pain, and sorrow, frustration and exhaustion -- Christ's cross is constant, and the forgiveness and the future that are guaranteed in that cross to all who believe.
Rejoice today, in Christ.
Pray today, in Christ.
Give thanks today, in Christ.
