Nov 27 Devotion: In Everything

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

         There are some things about this verse that can be misunderstood. It is important to look at what the Bible says without adding words, taking away words, assuming things, or having preconceived ideas. The Bible clearly speaks the mind of God for it is his inspired (God breathed) word. As we celebrate this special day we call Thanksgiving, let us consider what this verse teaches us.

         We find ourselves in situations every day that are difficult and the thought of being thankful for them is not a natural attitude. But God says “in” the situations of life, (“in every thing”) we should give thanks. Since this is not natural, how is it possible? The answer is found at the end of the verse. It is possible if you are “in Christ Jesus”. Being “in Christ Jesus” changes everything. With eternity in view, there is really nothing to be thankful for if you are not “in Christ Jesus”. Life now has no eternal purpose without Christ and eternity is reserved only for torment, if you’re not “in Christ Jesus”. But being in him places us in an entirely different category of life. We no longer just exist, awaiting hell, but now we have a relationship with God through the finished work of Calvary, and we can have fellowship now with the only true God. This new position in Christ means no matter what, we are safe and secure in him. No matter what, he will never leave or forsake us. No matter what, we win.

Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

         Consider this. Without Christ, it is impossible for our lives to end well here and there is no way for anything good to happen in eternity. But in Christ, we have fellowship with the Lord now and will spend eternity with him in a place where there will be no sin, sickness, or sadness. It will be a holy place and an endless day of perfection without the possibility of it being lessened or ever defiled in any way. So, no matter what happens to us now, we can be thankful in knowing everything that Christ has done for us and in us. It is a perception that only the redeemed can have and it is an attitude that we should always manifest. Let us be thankful and give forth our thanks continually.

In Christ’s Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5