Our scripture this morning is 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11.
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Paul reminds us that God doesn’t want us to fail and fall into sin, but to “receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ”. We were made to be in connection with Him and each other, caring for creation as He intended. Our lives and everything there is are given to us as gifts from God.
Sometimes we forget the obligation we have to God, preferring to go our own way. Some people ask “what has He done for me lately?” The answer is if your heart is beating and your lungs are drawing breath and your brain is able to ask that question, He is doing something right now. Without Him, we literally are nothing.
However, God wants something special for us and wants us to do special things in the world. He has made us in His own image that through each other we might see Him. Paul writes “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up”, a call not just from him but from God. If we lift one another up in faith and love, we can be like Him and with Him forever.
Loving Lord, You created us for a purpose. Help us to use Your gifts well and go in Your name to share Your love with everyone. Amen.
