When someone asks or appeals to you to do something, how do you know they are serious about it – how do you know it’s important? The words they use? Perhaps their facial expressions? Is it their tone of voice? Maybe their volume? It’s probably a mixture or blend of several of the things mentioned. Hey… use your imagination! (Your Mom or Dad, a teacher, a boss, your child, a police officer – I could go on…)
But how about a trusted “Spiritual leader” – like the Apostle Paul (now use your imagination)! In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-21 (part of my Bible reading today) Paul writes to Christians in a church he planted and appeals to them about some important things in their Christian life in a very pagan (yet religious) city… He uses two Greek words to describe his appeal: The first is a more general word – “erotao” – and simply means to request, ask, or appeal (vs. 12). The second word is stronger though – perhaps one of the strongest word in the New Testament for appealing to someone – “parakaleo” – translated “urge” but including the ideas of imploring, begging, intreating – even begging.
Now picture Paul doing that to you, as a Christian, as you read (and reflect on) these phrases from the passage…
“I ASK YOU to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work.
Be at peace among yourselves.
AND I URGE YOU, 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!
Do not quench the Spirit! [what the Holy Spirit is doing/saying] Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; and hold fast what is good.
[And finally,] abstain from every form of evil!”
Important stuff, eh? And now imagine Apostle Paul appealing directly to YOU about these things!
Coffee With The Lord 