October 12-October 18

LIVE EVERYDAY
Edward J. Tritschler
St. Louis, Missouri

“Plan as if you will live forever but live today as if it is your last day on Earth.” This is a phrase that my very wise Father has coined when he encourages folks to save for the future (i.e. open a savings account, invest in your 401K). Though he reminds folks to live today and be the best they can be. I think of these two letters that Paul wrote to the Thessalonians in many ways he is expressing the same idea, particularly in the second Letter as he warns them to not be idle but to be busy and work. The Thessalonians were a young church they needed to grow in their faith and understanding of Christ’s second coming.

CHRIST WILL RETURN!! The time is unknown. It will be like a thief in the night Paul tells us, so we must be prepared. We must live everyday as if it this is the day Christ will return. We should live in a way that is pleasing to God.

How should we live today?
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-20 Paul gives us six points that is the recipe to our daily living.
• Be joyful always
• Pray continually
• Give thanks in all circumstances
• Do not put the Spirit’s Fire out
• Hold onto the Good.
• Avoid every kind of evil.

Paul’s message so many years ago to the Thessalonians on living a daily life pleasing to God is still the same exact message for us – live moral and holy lives always watching for Christ return. Even with all the technology and advances that we have come to enjoy in these modern times there still is only ONE WAY.

The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:24

[Edward and his wife Karen just celebrated ten years of marriage last week. They are the proud parents of Donovan and Kayleigh. Edward serves as a Deacon at the McKnight Road Church of Christ in St Louis, Missouri. Edward also serves on the Board of Directors for Camp Ne-o-tez, a youth camp that is supported by the local St. Louis Churches of Christ.]