A New Shape; First Thessalonians

May the mumbling commence!

As we allow the Holy Spirit deep into ourselves, we begin to take on a new shape.  Old habits and old ways fall by the wayside.  New ways and habits form from deep within us.

We are no longer to hide in the darkness.  We are to be characterized by the light.  To be in the light means to be on high alert for God’s movement in our lives.  It means being self-controlled – willing to flow where the Spirit moves us.

To take this new shape, we will need to leave behind the practices that we wish to hide in darkness – drunkenness, apathy and denial.  These are some of the things that are left behind.

To take this new shape, we will need different ways to protect ourselves.  Faith and love becomes our breastplate of protection – a protection of our hearts and attitudes.  Our hope in the salvation of Christ becomes our helmet to protect our mind and thoughts.

And let us not forget that it is not our strength that accomplishes these feats.  It is the strength of the Way of Christ Jesus and the strength of the Holy Spirit that he gives us.

We learn these things from First Thessalonians chapter five.  Read them below (NIV):

But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.  You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.  So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.  For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.  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. (Verses 4-11)

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out