Always? That is strong language. The Apostle Paul was given to using words that stretch us, words like always (Phil 1:4) and I am sure of this (Phil 1:6). Paul believed what he taught—impressive. And he left us with a lasting impression.
For example, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (Phil 4:4) Always? Rejoice? The depth of our understanding of what the Lord has done for us, and what He is hoping to do in us and through us, is measured by how much we rejoice. If you are like most of us, rejoicing is less than always.
Do we have a heart for those that are lost? A heart for followers of Christ who have not matured to their full potential to serve the kingdom? It is the missionary task to disciple the nations—and to disciple with great joy.
We always thank God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. (Col 1:3) And, I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers. (Philemon 1:4) Paul is joyful in past, present and future encounters with others as he tries to encourage them in the faith.
We know this is God’s desire. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (I Thess 5:16-18) We need to search no further for God’s will for our lives.
Can we adopt this worldview that was held by the Apostle Paul? It is my eager expectation … that with full courage now as always, Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. (Phil 1:20)
Our striving should be to confidently reflect the mark of divine reality in our life and in our work. Paul was one of the boldest in scripture, yet he still prayed for more boldness. (Eph 6:19)
Search for how you might be used in the missionary enterprise by signing up at missionnext.org. All manner of job disciplines are needed. You can be used. Take a next step. You will be glad you did to the point of rejoicing!
(1) Philippians 4:4
(2) Colossians 1:3
(3) Philemon 4
(4) 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
(5) Philippians 1:20
(6) Ephesians 6:19
Nelson Malwitz, Founder, Chief Innovation Officer
Nelson is the generic Evangelical baby-boomer. Born in 1946, raised in the C&MA, he attended Urbana ’67 in college. He holds an MS degree in Chemical Engineering and worked in R&D positions in American industry for 33 years. Nelson is an inventor with formal training in methods of creative problem-solving. He was a founding elder at Walnut Hill Community Church in Bethel, CT (1982) and served in many leadership capacities of what is now one of the largest Evangelical churches in New England. In 1998 Nelson founded the Finishers Project, now MissionNext. Locally he attends a Torah study and is chairman of the sewer commission to serve among unchurched leaders.
3 thoughts on “The Amazing Power of Always”
Nelson, I was re-reading this and I would like to thank you for your writings!
Sometimes it take a few days or so before the full meaning of these thoughts our clear to me. Thank you for writing these blogs.
Thank you for the comment. I have to wonder if God’s response to our prayer is less than what we ask for, because we don’t “pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” If answered/unanswered prayer is related to our level of rejoicing in all things, but we are complaining, there is no need to imagine why sometimes the heavens seem like brass.
How could Paul rejoice as a way of lire? “Paul’s hardships made him better, not bitter. They always do one or the other to a child of God.”
A quote from the Bible Knowledge Commentary