Some of the commands of Jesus and the apostles are impossible to obey unless Christ lives in us. “Love your enemies.” Who can do such a thing but Christ? Out of my own effort, I may be able to turn the other cheek, but will there be sincere love in my heart for the one who strikes me?
“Do not worry.” Who can do this in his own strength? And to make it even more difficult, we are commanded to rejoice! Who but Christ can rejoice through the worries of this world?
“Give thanks in all circumstances.” Even in this terrible trial? How?
“Be perfect, therefore, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Impossible! I confess I don’t measure up… but Jesus does. My hope as a Christian is to know that Christ lives in me. “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
I was His enemy, yet He loved me enough to lay down His life. I fail when I let my own desires rule, but if I die to myself and abide in Him, He promises to live in me. This is my hope for loving as He does. Apart from Him I cannot.
Jesus did not worry because He knew His Father was in control. He slept in the raging storm while the disciples were terrified. Many things terrify us, but when we surrender our fears to the One above all, we receive a “peace that passes all understanding”. The One who spoke the word to calm the storm is the Source of true peace.
Jesus could give thanks in all circumstances for He knew He was in His Father’s will. Oh for this confidence! If we are in the Father’s will we can sincerely thank Him in every situation, knowing God is over all. If we are not in His will, we must run to Jesus. “Come to Me” is His constant invitation. What a Savior we have! (notice the last line of the Scripture below)
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” I Thessalonians 5:15-24