Every day we live is designed to have a purpose. Every day!
This morning I found that purpose spelled out so clearly in the small book of II Thessalonians.
“Our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father loves us. Through His loving-favor He gives us comfort and hope that lasts forever. 17 May He give your hearts comfort and strength to say and do every good thing.” II Thessalonians 2:16-17 NLV
We are to say and do every good thing. Now I know that is a monumental task but we aren’t told to do it in our own strength. Not at all. We receive the strength from our Father who loves us and gives us hope.
We have this promise from God’s word: “I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength.” Philippians 4:13 NLV
He has promised that Christ will give us the strength we need to do ALL things and part of that ALL is saying and doing what is good. Now, I haven’t accomplish this yet but I am working toward that end.
Let’s break this down. Take the next five minutes. Commit to saying and doing good. We can do that. Now, look down the road an hour; break it up into smaller segments. We can do this! But our focus must be on the doing and the saying and not on the actions or the words of others.
“Christian brothers, keep your minds thinking about whatever is true, whatever is respected, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever can be loved, and whatever is well thought of. If there is anything good and worth giving thanks for, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 NLV
Did you see what Paul said there? Keep your minds thinking on what is good, or better said on Who is good.
Take Daniel for example. Daniel, a young man, was taken as a prisoner from his home in Judea to Babylon. There he was put through a training course that would make him a good palace slave.
Daniel kept his mind on the good things of God even in small things like his diet. He refused to eat anything that God had said no too and he excelled in his countenance and strength. He went to work in the palace and only did what he knew would please God. Because of these actions he was trusted and promoted in the kingdom. He became second to the king. Even when those around him plotted to trap him and see that he was sentenced to death Daniel did the right thing.
If Daniel could do this as a prisoner, a slave, then I know that we can do it in our own homes and places of work. The same God who strengthened Daniel will strengthen us!
And when we fail and get derailed from our purpose, God is faithful to forgive us and set us back on track.
I am thankful that Paul reminds us of the Father’s love and also the love that Jesus has for us. If we keep their love as our center focus it will provide us with the strength we need to say and do everything good.