In our small group this week, we considered 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18. On first reading, this passage appears to be a laundry list of isolated commands, but as John Piper argues in When I Don’t Desire God, there is an underlying logic that ties them all together. Here is the passage, followed by an extended paraphrase that elaborates on each command and draws out the logic of Paul’s thought. Meditate on these verses – and minister as God’s agent by His power for His glory.

1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

We strongly exhort you, brothers and sisters, to be involved in each other’s lives, responding as each person needs. Here are three examples:

• Reprove and rebuke those who are idle, undisciplined, and failing to follow the leaders, stirring up trouble whether they intend to or not;
• Console and encourage those who are discouraged and afraid;
• Be devoted to the weak and ill, finding practical ways to help them.

These conditions may last a long time. Your ministry may not appear to have any impact. Their lack of response – or their negative response – may provoke you. Nevertheless, you must continue to minister with patience and perseverance, knowing that God has shown you much more patience than you have shown them.

Some of these folks have been hurt or angered by others in the body. And they may have genuine claims. Indeed, these very folks may have hurt and angered you! But don’t allow them or yourself to seek revenge. This is one important way that you exhibit patience.

We can summarize all these commands: Pursue with all your energy what is good for one another in your local body – and, indeed, pursue what is good for everyone. Focus on others, rather than on your own hurts, your own discouragements, your own problems.

Such a ministry may seem draining. And it will drain you – if you try to fulfill it on your own. So here is the key to being effective Always rejoice! Don’t let the frustrations of dealing with people who don’t change for the better, or who get worse, rob you of joy. For your joy should not come from earthly accomplishments. Instead, it should be rooted in God Himself.

There is only one way to maintain that joy and to minister effectively: Pray, pray, pray. Indeed, pray without ceasing. Whenever you feel tempted to anger or impatience, pray; whenever you are at loose ends, and have no idea how to minister, pray; whenever you are tempted to self-pity or tiredness, pray. Cultivate an attitude of constant, active dependence on God, always.

That attitude includes gratitude for all God has done, is doing, and will do for you and for the people whom you serve – no matter what circumstances you may be facing at the time. Be thankful – especially when times are tough.

This type of effective ministry, carried out by the power of prayer with an attitude of thankful rejoicing, is God’s will for you. Remember: You are in Christ Jesus; you are transformed into His likeness. This is truth. This is fact. So become what you already are! Be like Christ! Display His character in your life, through your ministry!