Tips for a Godly Lifestyle

First Thessalonians five gives practical principles for living the Jesus life.  No one can live effectively without values to guide them.  The following are key elements in the believer’s life that demonstrate a godly life and the ability to build relationships with others more effectively.

Be an encourager (5:11)  “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up….” Nehemiah was a great example of building on the positive qualities in a person’s life.  In Nehemiah 3:20, “Baruch was noted for his zealous work.”  It is vital to praise and recognize the hard work and the committed lifestyle of all believers. 

Respect the leaders (5:12 & 13)  “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.”  It is one thing to disagree with a leader, but it is another to blatantly disregard or criticize the leadership of the church.  Paul says in I Timothy 5:17 that the “elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor….” 

Warn the idle (5:14)  “And we urge you, brother, warn those who are idle….” Statistically, the work of the church is done by 10% of the entire church family.    Proverbs 19:15 says that “laziness brings on deep sleep, and the shiftless man goes hungry.”  Without the help of every believer, the work of the church takes longer to do, more souls are lost because we do not have the time to evangelize them, and those who are working get tired and become very discouraged.   Take Paul’s warning and get involved.

Encourage the timid (5:14) The Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines timid as one who lacks courage or self-confidence.  Elijah was a prophet for God who stood up against 450 prophets of the idol Baal.  It was that confidence, determination, and faith that gave him victory.  For Elijah, his victory was short lived, his confidence was shattered, and his determination to proclaim God’s message was quenched because of his fear of Queen Jezebel.  The queen was enraged at Elijah for killing her prophets because she relied on them.  The Bible says in I Kings 19:3 that “Elijah was afraid (timid) and ran for his life….” Elijah looked at his circumstances rather than keeping his faith in God.  It is vitally important that when we face the Jezebel’s in our life, we remember that God will never leave us.  He is at our side and pouring on the courage to stand firm.  

Help the weak (5:14) We all have weak moments at some point in our lives.  This is not the time to criticize our spiritual family when they are having a weak moment. Rather, it is a time we rally around them to give support and prayers. 

Be Patient (5:14) Patience is a Spirit fruit that is produce in those who allow the Spirit to do what that Spirit is supposed to do, indwell and produce.  I know folks who have a short “fuse” life.  If it is not right, or they move too slowly, they blow their inner fuse.  Paul is saying to have a long fuse mentality.  Allow some time to cool off.  Be patient!

Don’t be revengeful (5:15) Don’t be scheming up some plan to get even with those who do you wrong; rather, try to find ways of doing good.  This is not an easy task.  It takes patience, prayer, and determination to do good when bad had been done. 

Be joyful always (5:16) James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”  Paul and James are giving practical advice on how our attitudes should be in the mist of difficult circumstances.  A positive outlook puts a negative situation into a learning opportunity.  Joy happens because the trial didn’t defeat us; rather it strengthened our resolve to stay focused and God-led.

Pray always (5:17) Someone once said, “Seven prayer-less days makes one WEAK!” It has also been said, “A home that prays together, stays together.”  Prayer is the resource that everyone needs to tap into more and more each day.  Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  All Jeremiah had to do was call God.  No long-distance to worry about.  No busy signal to deal with.  No lost connection to hinder the call.  All we have to do is call.  Prayer is the key to handling problems, hardships, and/or sufferings.  Without prayer, our life is hopelessly lost.  Go ahead, pick up the phone and dial J-E-R-3-3-3 today and receive your free conversation with God.  God is standing by! Make that call right now!

Remember, Be God Controlled!