What to Do. What to Do?

What to Do. What to Do?

by David Brenneman 

‭"We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing;  in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  Do not quench the Spirit;  do not despise prophetic utterances.  But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;  abstain from every form of evil.  Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24.

2 Thessalonians 4:3a says "For this is God’s will, your sanctification." Here too is another pointing out of God's will. "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing;  in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

We aren't the architects of our lives.  This life we live isn't our creation under Heaven.  Elements of our personality are used, the gifts and talents graciously bestowed upon us by our Father in Heaven, are indeed the ingredients but its far from being our sole discretion in direction. 

We come to Christ for salvation yes.  We should also have of first importance what is of first importance to Him who saved us. 

In Christ we are to grow in Christ. We are to be diligent to be the disciple that we are in Him.

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.  This isn't at all lending to any idea of whatever is leftover goes to God. 

Malachi is a book of admonishing the people of Israel.  Jesus is calling them out.  He was being offered sacrifices that even He says "try offering that to your governor!".

Would you describe your offerings of your life to Christ as being your absolute best?  Your best efforts? Your best attention? Your truly best?

You can do as they did...say whatever you want towards me or anyone about how devoted and dedicated you are...Jesus knows all. 

Are you being honest with yourself and your Savior?  Put it all on the table.  No distractions no playing of games.  

My Dear Reader, if you indeed believe the Scriptures, you know there's a day coming soon where your life will be laid bare before Him.  What you have done in your body for Christ is all that will matter.  You're either adding to that or you're taking away from that which you will offer to Jesus. 

Do you at all talk to Jesus daily?

Do you at all consider Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs?

Do you at all attempt to stand firm in the Lord?

Do you at all seek that which is important to Jesus?

Do you at all abstain from every form of evil?  

Do you clutter your mind with useless endeavors? 

Do you listen to yourself more than you listen to the Spirit?

Do you justify the habits you have rather than eliminate what's not helping you to live healthy in Christ?

These are just samples of food for thought.  Look at all that the Lord Jesus rebuked Judah and Israel for.  Look at all that Jesus personally rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees for.  Look at His corrections towards His Disciples. 

You will know if you are willing to see.  This is part of that wisdom we are to ask of God for.   To clearly see and clearly know what God wants of you and for you.  

It may not remotely look like what you think it should...and that's ok.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6.

This says what He will do when we trust Him completely.  Note it doesn't say He will explain it all along the way. 

Jesus said to come as a child. Children hate lengthy explanations. 

Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus...but to trust and obey. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.