Life isn’t a static condition.
- Without physical exercise, the body decays.
- Without mental exercise, the mind fails to learn more and doesn’t retain what it does know.
- Without social exercise, our influence and respect from others suffers.
Paul liked to use the metaphor of the “Christian walk” the way he does in 1 Thessalonians 4:1. This helps reinforce the idea of Christianity being an active and progress oriented lifestyle.
We are to take what we have learned and try to gain momentum with it. The more we get out there showing off God’s love and power, the better we get at it, and the more influence we’ll have. This becomes a life that pleases God. (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12)
With that momentum we can do a number of things:
- We easily avoid misusing our bodies. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4) This is a difficult habit to break for many.
- We can live peacefully and avoid being busybodies. (1 Thessalonians 4:11a) This is a difficult habit to break for many.
- We can become productive and avoid being a burden to others. (1 Thessalonians 4:11b-12) This is a difficult habit to break for many.
These are some of the cornerstones of an influential lifestyle – A lifestyle that helps us become the salt and light that Jesus was talking about in Matthew 5:13-15
Daily Bible reading for May 17
Psalm 136
Numbers 18-19
Isaiah 56-57
1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
May 17, 2013
1 Comment