Never Stop Doing 3 Things
Growing up, my parents would tell us to avoid using the words “always” or “never.” These words tended to overexaggerate what really happened and lead to a potential and needless conflict.
God doesn’t avoid using the words “never” or “always” because He knows best what needs to be carefully avoided and intentionally perpetuated in our lives.
It is interesting to read the 9 English words (or 7 Greek words) in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 that tell us three things God wants us to always keep doing (present tense imperatives).
Always be glad (“rejoice always”). We can’t hide from the sorrows and pains of this life, but we can access the gift of joy God gave us knowing that He is always providentially working for our good and His glory. I love the simple, yet straightforward way the Psalmist puts it: “The Lord has done great things for us; We are glad” (Ps. 126:3).
Always be God-dependent (“pray without ceasing”). Prayer is a great reminder of our absolute dependent need for God. We are given full access to His throne of grace and can pray anytime, anywhere, and under any circumstance. The Psalmist again reminds us: “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Ps. 145:18).
Always be grateful (“in everything give thanks”). Gratitude is a prominent characteristic of a forgiven heart. Living a life of thanksgiving testifies of our faith in God who is always good, loving, and is orchestrating His good will on our behalf. After all, He gave us His “indescribable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15).
Why always do these three things? 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” You can’t really argue with that!
Pastor Jeff
“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
— Jim Elliot (martyred missionary to the Huaorani people of Ecuador)
“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. ”