With little space to spare in his letters Paul has to condense his instructions, as he does here. These are not throwaway words but vital exhortations like those of an officer who is giving crucial life and death instructions to a soldier in an urgent situation. These instructions could mean the difference between the life and death of our faith. Inability to honour spiritual leaders is the cause of the demise of many because cynicism and pride are a plague to the soul. This is where Paul begins. He then gives instructions for other relationships within the church community. These were close knit communities that were very active in God’s mission. Idle members not only became dead weight but were often an open door for the devil’s temptations and the cause of much trouble. They would not tolerate ‘pew sitters’ in these times. Either you were involved or out. It is interesting that Paul tells them to be joyful always. He doesn’t mean that they should be jubilant and smiling all the time. He means that they should always remain connected to the source of their joy lest their joy-hungry hearts be tempted by other claims on their desires. Paul sees the work of the Spirit in the Thessalonian church blazing like a fire and spreading. It is what brought him so much joy. But he knows the devil will want to tempt people to quench that fire. Wherever the fire of the Spirit blazes there will follow a barrage of negative attitudes that will threaten the fire. Don’t be drawn into this.
Reflect on your attitudes in the light of these things.
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
