Feel joy in tribulation. (1 & 2 Thessalonians)

1 Thessalonians

1:3

Does our faith require work? Of course. What we do is an expression of our faith. The purpose of faith is progression. There is no progress without action. The sum of what we do is what increases our faith. Paul knew this. "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father."

A faithful life is full of work. A faithful person will:

1. Live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. Care for those in need.

3. Invite all to receive the gospel.

4. Unite families for eternity.

These are the Four Divinely Appointed Responsibilities of every church member. This is the work of our faith. This is our labor of love. Our reason for doing this is our faith and hope in Jesus Christ.

1:5

"For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake." For others to be truly converted, it won't be a rational argument that changes their hearts. They won't be convinced through words only. We can't talk people into truly receiving the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Paul was good at this because he taught with the power of the Holy Ghost. His words were important but the convincing power comes from the Spirit.

In addition to choosing the right words, he made good choices as a person. The people knew what "manner of men" Paul and his were. This added to the credibility of his message. It is the same for us. Others will be more receptive to the words that we use when they respect and admire us as people.

1:6

Paul was impressed with the Thessalonians. "And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost." They received the word in affliction. Their lives weren't perfectly settled when hearing the gospel. It is likely that their receiving the gospel led to this affliction. Yet, they experienced the "joy of the Holy Ghost." It is another example of how we can feel joy in the midst of affliction through the Holy Ghost. This is a lesson for all of us about how our mental and emotional and spiritual state are not controlled by the events of our lives.

2:4

Every member of the church should review this. "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." We are the ones who are "allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel." There are responsibilities that come from being a member of God's true church.

We need to open our mouths more to share principles of the gospel. Since we know the truth, "even so we speak." We shouldn't be so concerned with "pleasing men." We should care more about pleasing God than men. In eternities, what will it matter if we were slightly embarrassed by being rejected by a friend or stranger in out attempt to share the gospel. However, what eternal impacts can happen if we open our mouths and become tools in the Lord's hands as he works through us to gather Israel.

2:8

Paul sincerely loved these people. "So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us." I have been blessed with a natural affection for people for others. The problem is that this natural affection is only natural when it's people I like. I truly love the people I like. I feel good about how much natural affection I can have for others. I need to work on having a natural affection for people that I do not like. That's a big hurdle for me.

Paul also states that he didn't just impart to them the "gospel of God only, but also our own souls." They gave the gospel, but also gave themselves. I'm sure that looked like service and sacrifice for the benefit of others. This is a good example for all of us. Part of giving the gospel to others is giving ourselves. This, in most cases, looks like plain, ordinary service. Our service can serve as a vehicle for delivering the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our willingness to give of ourselves shows our sincerity, builds trust and may literally open the ears, minds and hearts of the people we are serving.

2:19-20

Paul viewed his converts as the source of his glory and joy. "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy." Those who he had brought to Jesus Christ was his hope for glory and rejoicing in the last day.

If you think about it, God feels the same way about his work. "This is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." Our conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ is God's source of glory and joy.

As we consider the value of our mortal lives, how many souls that we have brought to Jesus Christ will be our primary source of joy.

3:3-4

"That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto." We shouldn't be discouraged by afflictions. We must accept that we are "appointed" to endure many trials and tribulations. This is part of life. As we expect problems, we will be be better prepared to triumph over them.

Paul warned his converts of this. We should understand that, whenever someone is about to make a good decision, they will certainly suffer some type of tribulation. Consider this when someone is deciding to go on a mission or be baptized or return to Church. If they expect to "suffer tribulation" they will likely be able to see through that tribulation to the joy that exists on the other side of a good decision.

3:10

"Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?" We feel that with the young people that we teach in our gospel class. We wish we could meet with them each morning to continue to fill in the gaps that are lacking in their faith.

If you are ever involved in the conversion of another, we should be mindful of their continued progress and stick with them as they build their testimonies. We know that there will be areas where they are lacking and will need support. We may be the key to filling the gaps that are there with every new convert.

4:9-11

"But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business..." Paul is recognizing that they love each other. However, he's asking them to love "more and more."

Is there a limit to how much we can love others? Is there a point that we can say to ourselves, "I love enough." I suppose there isn't. We can always love others better.

• We can be better at looking for opportunities to serve.

• We can strengthen our ability to listen to promptings that will direct us in how we can best love and support each other.

• We can continually refine our ability to put others first and not seek our own interests above all others.

• We can improve our ability to communicate our love for others.

• We can be more authentic and vulnerable to others in order to build true and deep relationships.

• We can improve our empathy skills as we learn of others who are suffering.

There can be a lifetime of improvement in how we love.

I also like the phrase "study to be quiet." I often open my mouth and word vomit. I dominate a conversation too much. I generally have an opinion about everything. I think it would do me good to study to be quiet. I need to focus on listening more than speaking. Not everyone needs to hear from Eric so much!

5:3

"For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." The NLT version of this verse is: "When people are saying, "everything is peaceful and secure," then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman's labor pains begin. And there will be no escape."

Our lives can be going along peacefully and something drastic can happen where we need to be prepared. I'm sure the people of Israel weren't thinking that they would have to face terrorists in their homes Saturday morning. Those victims didn't know when they went to bed that it was their last day in mortality.

I'm realizing that the conditions of the world can change drastically. I suddenly can see a clear path to how all of the nations of the world will be against Israel. It's conceivable that the whole world will get sucked into this conflict. World wars have been started by much less. All of the terrible prophecies in Revelations could quickly come to pass. All of the things that we take for granted could be taken from us overnight. We need to be prepared to handle the coming apocalypse.

This is also true spiritually. We cannot live our lives continually content with our current level of spirituality. We must be progressing. Whether we are eight or eighty, there is progress to be had. In fact, progression will continue into eternity. I believe that there will be many who become satisfied with some level of righteousness and not be willing to improve. It's not that they are rebellious. It's just that they are saying, "That's good enough." When asked to continue their progression, their response will be "Nah, I'm good." We must feel the urge to move forward.

5:4-6

"But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness." If we are continually living in the light, spiritual destruction will never come to us as a thief in the night. Destruction can only come upon us as a thief in the night if we are allowing darkness to be in our lives.

"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." Most of the world is asleep as to what the purpose of life is. Most are living day to day and simply surviving. They are good people simply because they want to be good people. However, without the big picture, it is easy to become depressed and discouraged about life when life appears to be constantly working against you. If there isn't a larger purpose, why approach the daily grind in a positive mindset?

When we were in Tel Aviv, the streets were crowded with all kinds of people from all parts of the world. It kept coming to mind how grateful I was to know the purpose of life and my role in gathering Israel. As we passed these crowds of people, I could see the light of Christ in their eyes. I could also perceive a general discouragement. If my life was simply about surviving and attempting to provide for myself, I think it would be easy for me to be discouraged.

I am grateful for what I know. I do feel awake. My eyes see this life as it is. My understanding of the plan of salvation keeps things in perspective. I am grateful for that but also feel the responsibility of working to develop spiritually and, daily, working to get closer to Christ. I've got to "watch and be sober."

5:9

"For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." We weren't created to suffer the wrath of God. We were created to be saved. It's important to keep this in mind. God loves us. He wants us to be like him. He's good at getting us there. He has not created a plan of salvation where most of his children will suffer wrath. This perfect plan is to save all of those who want to be saved. Thank you Jesus!

5:11

"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do." We should comfort and edify each other. What does that mean? How much of that do we do in a given week? Are there opportunities to edify others that we miss? Are there those struggling around us that we don't even see? I think, generally, our friendships with others in our wards and neighborhoods to could stand to be more sincere and authentic. We need to express our feelings of affection more. We need to allow ourselves to be more vulnerable. We can strengthen each other greatly if we make it a priority.

5:14

"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men." We should be willing to help others in whatever way they need. That may include warning, comfort, support or patience.

How many of us care about our neighbor enough that we are willing to give a loving warning? Are we willing to go through the discomfort of that and the risk of offending them? We could be a savior among men if we are willing to offer warning. Last year, we had a friend share a story of how she had received strength from a psychic. I told her that it's awesome that she received strength but that the true source of strength is from Jesus Christ and the Spirit. I warned her that she may be taking a small step away from the gospel and that she couldn't take too many steps like this. We have stayed friends and I think she respected what I said.

If someone is obstinate or ignorant or just simply unintelligent, do we criticize or comfort them? Part of God's justice is giving people what they need - not what they deserve. Our role isn't to criticize or push aside someone who is weak or feeble minded. Think about this the next time someone is being dumb in your vicinity. I'll try to remind myself of this the next time an idiot is driving slowly in the passing lane. I need to be more "patient toward all men."

5:19

I heard someone say recently how easily the Spirit is offended. What do I do in my home offends the Spirit? Is it a TV show or music? Those are two big things that may offend the Spirit in our homes. We need to be more aware of what may possibly drive the Spirit away. We should "Quench not the Spirit."

5:21

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." We should recognize when something is right and hold fast to it. We should truly decide if the Book of Mormon is true. Research its origins. Read what the witnesses said about it. See the unique doctrine it taught and the beauty of the writing. The Book of Mormon can stand up to any serious scrutiny. However, the Book of Mormon cannot withstand lazy scrutiny. If I am "proving" the Book of Mormon by listening to a critical podcast, that's lazy proving.

For example, I heard someone say that a Book of Mormon story (Helaman's stripling young soldiers) was based on another book which describes a battle with 2000 men. Part of the proof of this is a very similar "paragraph" in the other book that closely matches a paragraph in the Book of Mormon. It seems like a compelling argument until you learn that:

• This paragraph was actually a collections of sentences over many pages of the other book. The sentences were cherry-picked from the entire book.

• The 2000 warriors in the other book were grown men - many of whom died.

The argument sounds compelling until you thoroughly research the claim. Lazy research will lead you down the wrong path. So, "prove all things." Just make sure that your proving is thorough.

I have proven the Book of Mormon. I know it to be true and not invented or plagiarized by Joseph Smith. Now that I know that, my responsibility is to "hold fast that which is good."

2 Thessalonians

1:4-5

"So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer." We all will face persecutions and tribulations in one form or another. I believe that, as the second coming approaches, there will be more persecution and tribulation coming. Members of the church will face increased scrutiny and persecution.

The church's stand on controversial subjects will add to this. The continuing criticism of church doctrine and embellishing the perceived flaws of early and current church leaders will cause some members to feel ashamed. The internet has exposed a mosaic of cynical church critics - mostly consisting of ex-members of the church. I expect that we will continue to see those whose testimonies aren't fully formed to fall away. For those who can make it through this pressure, it will stand as a "manifest token" that they are "worthy of the kingdom of God."

In the 1800's, it was the trip across the plains that peeled off many of the physically weak. In the 21st century, it will be the internet that pulls away the spiritually weak. For those who will endure faithful in the gospel, they will be counted worthy. I will be one of them.

2: 2-4, 9-12

"That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition." I used this verse many times on my mission when discussing the apostasy that covered the world after the original church ended. Paul knew that there would be a great "falling away" before the second coming.

You could argue, even though the truth has been restored, that this apostasy continues in that the vast majority of the world's population has not heard of the church - let alone be a member of it.

I think it's interesting that Paul talks about this "son of perdition." To my knowledge, this person hasn't arrived. I believe that this is talking about a specific person - the Antichrist. "Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God."

I can't imagine a man who considers himself above what is called God or anything that is worshipped. Is there going to be a man who sits in the temple and represents that he is God? Yikes.

"Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness." This antichrist will be convincing. He will use miracles and wonders. He will appear to have real power. I'm sure he will use flattering words that will definitely not lead people to Christ. He will use every form of deceit to convince people to worship him.

Those who do not love the truth will likely be deceived. They will be delusioned and believe this lie. The antichrist's lie will feel really good. It will feel like a comforting blanket. They will feel respected and completely free to do as they will. If you combine flattering words with miracles, it will convince many.

For those who are not truly converted to Christ, they will fall for this deception. Their progress will be damned. They will disregard the truth that they once believed. His words will feel pleasurable. The righteous principles that they lived by and taught and repeated will fall to the wayside in the face of a brilliant, charismatic speaker empowered by the force of evil. Truth will succumb to flattery.

3:4-5

"And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ." The gospel teaches us what we should do. Our actions should match the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our faith will drive our behavior.

Where is all of this action and behavior leading to? The goal of every aspect of the gospel of Jesus Christ leads to the "love of God." If we aren't developing the love of God, we are not practicing this religion correctly. As we live the gospel of Jesus Christ, our relationship with him will grow and our lives will be about looking forward to Christ's return. Patiently waiting.

3:11

"For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies." Some of us have too much time on our hands. We are idle. We aren't anxiously engaged in a good cause. Often, those who don't have anything to do begin meddling in others' business. They are busybodies.

Also, many of us are also very busy but not really accomplishing anything worthwhile. Certainly, much of our busyness has nothing to do with the work of salvation or gathering Israel. We've got to be careful about this world taking over our every hour. Being busy but not actually doing anything worthwhile is another form of damnation. The person who is busy in meaningless tasks progresses no more than a person who does nothing at all.

Having said that, is it not unrighteous to be busy. In fact, there may be many opportunities where we can add value to many tasks that we must do but do not add to our spiritual progression. For example, we could listen to a scriptural podcast while we are cleaning the house. We could utilize time waiting in line to send texts to those who may need an encouraging word. There are plenty of opportunities to adding good deeds into our daily lives. For example, I'm writing this while waiting to board a flight.

Paul admonishes them "But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing." It does take energy to progress. It takes effort to make meaningless tasks meaningful. It takes thought and planning to become less busy and do more which will add to our spiritual growth. We must not grow weary of progressing spiritually.

3:14-15

"And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." Many people can't imagine any reason to excommunicate or disfellowship a member. This seems to run contrary to showing Christlike love and forgiveness.

However, I think there should be some consequence to violating serious precepts of the gospel. There is some shame attached to being separated from the full-fellowship. It is a consequence of sin. Also, it's important that a person who doesn't believe in the gospel to not fully integrate with the congregation. They may influence others to leave the church as they have. I wouldn't want someone who doesn't believe the gospel or support church leaders to be teaching gospel doctrine or being a young women's leader.

However, a person who is disfellowshipped or excommunicated should not be counted as an enemy. We should not treat them as an outcast. We should show brotherly kindness and love for this person. We should offer correction. Paul says to "admonish." To admonish is to "warn or reprimand" someone. If we truly care about a person who is headed in a wrong direction that will ultimately lead to damnation, we should feel the desire to admonish in a loving way that shows that we truly love and care about him or her.

Jesus was full of admonition. He didn't accept everyone. He said exactly what was needed for someone to understand what they were doing. Certainly, he admonished the Pharisees but also Peter. We shouldn't just ignore or exile someone who is out of fellowship. We should do what Jesus would do.