Reading this closing of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians reminded me of my mom's first letter to me when I went away from home for the first time for an overnight camp in 6th grade. The end of the letter is where you put the stuff you really don't want the other person to forget; the "if you don't remember anything else, remember this" stuff.
It makes such perfect sense and if you're like me, you find yourself nodding along as you read. But, if you are like me, it's a different animal when you have to apply it personally. Like when someone does something evil to you, you get that feeling of blood pounding in your ears and the only idea in your brain is settling the score. Or, when someone is recounting their umpteenth SOB story and you want to shout at them to quit being such a pathetic sissy. Or when you find yourself in a personal health or job crisis and, you really can't find that place in your heart that rejoices or gives thanks. When it comes time for real-life application, it's much harder to live it out than it is to agree while you're reading.
But, Paul's writing to a church, not a single person. I think this is why we need to worship God in a church; in a community of like-minded believers. When you're weak or you need to be reminded of the right thing, your community is supposed to be there to strengthen you. And, you're supposed to do likewise when members of your community are struggling. It's like the penguins all taking turns in the center and the outside of the huddle. No one is strong all of the time, but together, we can help keep one another faithful and living it out, rather than letting it stay on the page.
Maybe that's what this discipleship is about...
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