Pistos ho kolan. This is the Greek form of Thessalonians 5:24. Translated it says, “The one who calls you is faithful.”
Truer words about God have never been spoken. God is faithful in all things.
Now, before you say, “Hey, preacher, I haven’t been called,” let me set you straight.
If you are going to church or are part of a Christian faith group, you have been called. If you pray at times other than just before a test or after being pulled over by the police, you have been called. If your idea of fun is talking about the blessings God has given you, you have been called. If you strive to do no harm and do good, you have been called. If that song that is stuck in your head is a hymn, you have been called. If you are reading this article, there is a good chance that you have been called.
That last part isn’t an ego thing for me; it just points out that you are in the religious section of the paper. That part probably isn’t visited as much as the sports section.
The point is, if you have dealt with the church, or are involved in the church, you have been and are being called. While not everyone is called to a life of preaching or pastoring, we are all called to share Christ and help others come to know him.
If you get a chance, read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; in it you will see the expectations of a Christian, and guess what? We are not supposed to be a bunch of Debbie Downers. We are called to be upbeat, positive and prayerful. That’s right, upbeat and positive.
The reason is, as followers of Christ, we have something the world cannot give. That thing is called HOPE.
We have hope in a risen savior, and we celebrate the birth of that hope at Christmas. The gifts we offer, the songs we sing all point to a hope in something greater than ourselves. We are called to be a hopeful and rejoicing people.
God is all about hope and love; therefore, we are supposed to be about hope and love.
Folks, it’s time to stop looking for the bad and start looking for the good. It’s time to stop cursing the darkness and start being the light. It’s time to be a thankful people who are the image of their creator.
Look, I don’t know what tomorrow, next week or next year will bring.
I expect we will have troubles and tribulations, and I expect challenges for believers and for the church.
But, what I do know is that God is faithful, and I rejoice in that. I know that we will never be alone, and God has promised that. I also know that this season is meant to remember and rejoice in God’s faithfulness.
Now is the time to rejoice always, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances. This is the Christian way.
Rev. Kent Wilfong is the pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.