Up to this point in the letter Paul has written a good deal about the will of God. He continues that theme here in chapter 5. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (vv 16-18). Three observations:
(1) The follower of Jesus always has reason to rejoice. His death has secured a place for us in heaven so no matter what we experience here on earth we can rejoice in the confidence that we will spend eternity with him. Are you so overcome with gladness when in God's presence that you do all you can to get into it?
(2) The follower of Jesus always has reason to pray. There is nothing more Christ-like which we can engage in. Jesus rose early to talk to his Father, and he was constantly connected to God in prayer. Nothing is so valuable, or more frightening to Satan, than prayer. Is your prayer life a great weapon you wield which strikes fear in the enemy? Or is it like a toy that he can sleep next to?
(3) The follower of Jesus always has reason to give thanks. As you get closer to Jesus you will actually begin to see just how unholy you are. You will understand more fully the weight of all your sin. And the degree to which you understand the weight of your sin is directly proportional to the depth of your thankfulness to God, who bore that sin in your place on the cross. Are you deeply grateful for the gift of God's saving grace, or just mildly appreciative?
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