AND FOR ALL

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I used this verse in a devotional that I posted this morning.  My devotional was on Being Thankful but inevitably I hear from someone who is embroiled in an impossible situation and cannot understand why they would want to be thankful or how they can give thanks and especially, how this could possibly be the WILL OF GOD for them. 

Once again, I explain that it is not the situation that is the will of God but this verse is an exhortation for us to live a lifestyle of thankfulness because God is our provider, sustainer, healer, peace-giver and guide in every situation.

Turning back to 1 Thessalonians, I read the preceding verses, what else was God speaking through Paul.  God opened my eyes to three words that I had never before considered while meditating on this passage.  Let’s read the entire exhortation together…

1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 Now we exhort you brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves AND FOR ALL. 16 Rejoice always. 17 pray without ceasing. 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

The words that caught my attention…AND FOR ALL!!!

We live in an increasingly hedonistic world.  We reinterpret the Constitution to grant “rights” that will benefit a chosen lifestyle without regard to anyone else’s “rights” or lifestyle.  Students protest loudly, drowning out any voice that doesn’t agree with their philosophy.  It doesn’t matter that they are shutting down “free speech” as long as they can express their viewpoint freely.

We find this “Me First” attitude in every area of society.  The “War ON Marriage” being waged by the government in redefining the institution, is not nearly as destructive as the “War IN Marriage.”  A WAR of never ending skirmishes as husbands and wives fight for supremacy and the right to have their desires fulfilled without regard for the other.

The “Power Struggle” continues even in the midst of Church Congregations all because we forget that we are to “pursue what is good both for ourselves and FOR ALL!”

What could happen; what revival would take place; what peace would reign over all if we would begin to understand that part of the WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS FOR YOU is pursuing what is good FOR ALL!

Churches would begin to fulfill the mission; their light shining brightly in a dark world.  Husbands would “love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it,” instead of seeking to fulfill their own lusts and desires.  Wives would have no fear of the word “submit” because her goal would be seeking that which is good for her husband as he seeks that which is good for her.  Children would OBEY their parents that are pursuing GOOD FOR ALL.

There would be no fences between neighbors and no need for doors and windows to have locks.  Bosses would treat employees fairly, knowing that the employee is pursuing GOOD FOR ALL!

Even Governmental Politics would cease…IMAGINE THAT….because policies would be made only to pursue GOOD FOR ALL!

Okay, I know…I’m living in a fantasy world; it is nothing but a “pipe dream;” Utopia doesn’t exist. BUT….WHAT IF…

What if YOU and I would embrace the WILL OF GOD CONCERNING US? It could happen if we would PURSUE WHAT IS GOOD BOTH FOR OURSELVES AND FOR ALL!