The War

1 Thessalonians 5: 6-8

6 so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.

7 For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night.

8 But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.

Paul's use of the words, breastplate and helmet, is significant. We are in a war - a spiritual war - that has been waging since creation. We tend to forget that it exists as we can't physically see it. But it is as real as anything can get. Paul makes this clear to the church in Thessalonica. This reminder applies even today, as we wait for the coming of Jesus. Jesus will come like a thief in the night. We have to be ready. We must remain sober and alert, living each day worthy of God's kingdom. How? Paul says:

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-22

16 Rejoice always;

17 pray without ceasing;

18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit;

20 do not despise prophetic utterances.

21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good;

22 abstain from every form of evil.

This is my prayer. That I would be able to do these things naturally.