Unquestionably Free
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thes. 5: 16-18 (ESV)
Today I would like to focus on the word “in”, located twice within the above scripture. It’s a rather small word that in Christian teaching is often replaced by the word “for”, mostly by mistake in translation, or recitation, but almost always changing the meaning of the statement or scripture.
I have friends that will use this scripture reference and think that believers are to give thanks FOR everything, good or bad. The problem with this idea is, we will all go through life with circumstances and events pressing us one way or the other; but saying you are thankful for those things instead of thankfulness IN that place, you cannot journey correctly.
This week someone said to me, “I’m working FOR God on this or that…”, and I immediately said that we work IN Him, not for Him. It seemed foreign to them, but that’s what they were taught throughout their life.
Remember, today when you get started, thank the Father in every moment. Also, keep in mind that we don’t work for God, we work in Him, for this is His will for us in Christ Jesus. There, the pressure to “perform” is off and you are free to pursue more of YHWH and the Kingdom of Christ.
So if the Son makes you free, then you are unquestionably free! John 8:36(AMP)