Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, (1 Thessalonians 4:10 NIV)
I love this chapter in 1 Thessalonians, because the apostle Paul repeats this line a couple of times, “Do so more and more.” This phrase is his response to hearing good things about how they are following Jesus. In fact the chapter begins by Paul mentioning that he’s instructed them in how to please God and he’s encouraged that they are living lives that please God, but he then encourages them to do so more and more.
It’s a reminder not to settle, it’s a call and challenge for all of us to do what Pastor Kevin calls, “Keep the growing going.”
When we first get saved and begin to follow Jesus, we are usually growing at a fast rate and eagerly applying all that we are taking in. But if we’re not careful somewhere along the journey we settle into a certain level of knowing and following God. Which is why Paul comes along and reminds them there is still more to be learned, more to be followed and more love that God wants to show through them.
LET’S APPLY IT:
So, get honest with yourself. Have you settled in your relationship with God? Have you determined that you have enough love, enough grace for others, enough generosity, enough obedience? I want to say in response to that, “Way to go! So proud of you for living and loving the way you do — but let’s do so more and more!”