A Supermodel Mindset

Good Morning,

This week we are bringing our series on supermodels from the book of 1 Thessalonians to a close. Paul has many instructions for this church regarding sexual conduct, love of the brotherhood, how to properly honor those working among them and living at peace with others. Certainly, there is much we could delve into. I want us to focus on an attitude, a mindset if you will, that marks the life of Christian supermodels.  A pattern of living that can not only carry us through challenges but stands in stark contrast to those who live without a Christ-centered hope. I am calling it a mindset for supermodels. We find the mindset in chapter 5 verses 16-18.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice always: This joy stems not just from pleasant circumstances but from something far deeper. It requires focusing on what we have often called “the long end of the rope”.  Even as I write this, I catch myself giving encouragement to you while at the same time getting caught up in present challenges. It is easy to do. Thus, Paul’s constant reminder in his writings to be joyful is extremely relevant. The joy we are called to is described in the Pulpit commentary as follows: Joy is that feeling of delight which arises from the possession of present good, or from the anticipation of future happiness; and in both respects the believer has abundant reason for constant joy. He possesses the blessedness of forgiveness and the sure prospect of eternal life, and he has the consciousness that all things work together for good to them that love God.

Pray Continually: An attitude of humble dependence on God for every moment, indeed every breath. A continual acknowledgement that our source of hope for every second of life between now and eternity is in the hands of God. And a further confidence that He alone is sufficient to carry us. An attitude of prayer helps us remain aware of God’s presence.

Give Thanks in all Circumstances:  The little word “in” is an important one. Paul does not say be thankful “for” all circumstances. This exhortation does not mean that we are to be thankful for all the evil in the world or the bad things that happen to us. Rather, his encouragement is to be thankful that we don’t have to face these things alone. God is with us in the middle of the valley and on the mountain top. He is never at a loss and never absent. Evil is present until Jesus comes again. But we can truly be thankful that God is not overcome by it and stands with us in it.

Question to ponder this week:

1.    How could rejoicing more, praying more and being more thankful change your outlook on life?

Live on purpose,

Ron Klopfenstein, CPLC