The Right Stuff
We all must deal with problems: how we handle them affects how we survive them. “Why?” is the natural question. The first chapter of 2 Thessalonians gives insight for dealing with problems. The apostle Paul provides a prescription …
… for surviving problems. First, keep your heart right—“Your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other.” (v. 3) Faith has to grow in tough places and it does! Faith grows as you come to know more about the One in whom your faith has been placed. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) The word “abound” means to overspread, like a fire. As a pastor, I have spent many hours in the intensive care unit. The dynamics of watching with anguished people, listening to urgent questions is different from any other place in the world. People can’t do enough for each other. No one is rude to another; class differences melt away; and everyone pulls for everyone. Why is it that way? Everyone has the same single focus. Growing faith in Jesus, abounding love toward others, keeping a right heart puts your focus on the right priority. Second, keep your head right—“[So] that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.” (v. 5) Even with the heart guarded, the head may still ask, “Why?” Theology is important at this point: the knowledge of all that Christ will do at His coming will keep the thoughts of the head right and maintain hope in the middle of trials. Hope of eternal life is greater than any problem. Third, keep you hand right—“The work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you.” (vv. 11-12) This is more of a result than a cause. If your heart is right, so that there is spiritual growth; and, if your head is right, with correct doctrine; then, your hand will be on the right tasks.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
