Finally....(Not)

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Paul’s final instructions.

Well, Paul’s words are never really “final.” They are the last things he says before he says something else! In any case, there is quite an impressive list of “finals” beginning in 1 Thessalonians 5:12.

Acknowledge and hold in high regard those who labour for the Lord among you (vs. 12).

Live in peace with others (vs. 13).

Warn those who are idle and disruptive (vs. 14).

Encourage (vs. 14).

Help (vs. 14).

Be patient (vs. 14).

Don’t look for revenge (vs. 15).

Do what is good (vs. 15).

Rejoice always (vs. 16).

Pray continually (vs. 17).

Give thanks in all circumstances (vs. 18).

Don’t quench God’s Spirit (vs. 19).

Test and pay heed to God’s prophecies (vs. 20).

Hold onto the good (vs. 21).

Reject evil (vs. 22).

On a scale of one to ten, with one being the worst and ten being the best, where are you? (No, Paul didn’t say this last bit but as I typed out the list I realized that some of his “finals” still have a long way to go in my life before they actually become finally completed.)