Sometimes our routines can use a good shaking up. Sometimes it's good for us to have to re-think our priorities and the habits and structure we put into our lives. Maybe just realizing that life isn't "normal" or always the same will help me relax and enjoy change when it comes, because life brings change by its very nature.
It's interesting reading 1 Thessalonians. It's cool to see Paul's heart in ministering to and helping nurture new believers that were the fruit of his ministry with Silas and Timothy. It's cool to see how Paul judged the miraculous signs that accompanied them on their missionary trip:
"For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with Deep conviction."
That was kind of a sign that God was with them and active, moving among them with His Holy Spirit.
The book goes on in chapter 4 to describe living "in order to please God." I love that thought: that God is a person that can be pleased. To do any act that would please Him is complete reward and joy -- knowing that you've somehow touched the heart of God. I love the thought that our hearts are unique and only we can offer God our very own heart. I call it "The Little Drummer Boy Syndrome," but it's better than a one-time gift that others can mimic. We have exclusive rights to our own hearts and no one can force our hearts or steal it away. It is something we can give by our own choice.
"It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him."
I've long seen these guidelines as safety wires or guides to keep us from harm. We can choose to ignore these guides and plunge headfirst into an action that will hurt us, as well as others, later on. We can betray and use people as if they were there for our own desires. But this type of damage and pain can be avoided. That it was I think these guidelines are for -- our blessing and well-being, not "killjoys" or restrictions of fun.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at February 13, 2006 08:41 AM