Lighthouse Keeper

As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. (1 Thessalonians 4:1). 

There seems to be an epidemic in the modern church of Christians who think God is displeased with them. He’s not. He loves you and is the Good Shepherd (John 10)  and the Skilled Potter (Jeremiah 18:5) leading and guiding you into all He has for you. 

In Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul offers encouragement to the church and declares that they are doing well and should just do what they are doing more and more. “We ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more”. (1Thessalonians 4:1). 

What is the “this” that Paul is talking about? Basically abstain from sexual immorality, work hard, and love one another (He outlines these points in verses 1Thessalonians 4:3-13). 

Perhaps this is what God is saying to you today: You got this. You are running a good race and God is proud of you. There’s no need for a big Damascus Road encounter, flashes of lights and anything radical to change in your walk. Just keep doing what you’re doing. 

To add seasoning to the meal, Paul’s letters always include an encouragement to “love each other” (1 Thessalonians 4:9) and that’s about it. He is always building up and encouraging and not tearing down. This is the way of Christ. 

If you walk away from church on a Sunday morning feeling boxed around the ears and that you aren’t doing enough for God (whatever that means) then shake it off and get back to basics. You may even want to find a new community of believers who build up and encourage as the Bible exhorts us to do (1 Thessalonians 5:11). 

The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him (Psalm 147:11). God is pleased with you +