living in light

St Paul Writing His Epistles, Valentin de Boulogne

1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians

Although Paul was an apostle, he was only one man and could not be everywhere. Still, he was concerned about the Saints in Thessalonica, because he could not return to visit them. Timothy was sent in his stead. Additionally, Paul wrote letters to counsel and encourage the Thessalonian Saints. While being a Christian is joyful, it brings much peace to have counsel and encouragement from Jesus' prophets and apostles both ancient and modern.

Paul taught that the gospel should be shared with others with the power and spirit of the Holy Ghost, gentleness, plainness, honestly, without guile, without flattery, without thoughts of gain, and all for the glory of God. This brings to mind Doctrine and Covenants 121:41-43, where we are admonished to teach those who we have authority over with God's Word by the spirit and power of the Holy Ghost. Here is another instance of the parental owners manual. Reproved betimes with sharpness doesn't mean yelling and spanking. I've had much more success teaching my children with the honey of the gospel instead of the vinegar of unkindness and force.

Although the Thessalonian Saints understood many of are Paul’s explanations of the Second Coming, they missed the most important point. Jesus' followers will be resurrected and meet once again with Him sort of like a huge celebration of family and friends. Paul foretold of our day before the Second Coming, when would apostasy would be commonplace, men's hearts fail the for fear, people are without affection natural or otherwise, many are lovers of themselves, many follow idols, and darkness would fill the earth. 

To prepare for the Second Coming, Paul told the Thessalonian Saints they should continue in the light, watch for the signs, and be sober.  We too do not need to fear if we are prepared for the Second Coming. We can prepare as the Thessalonians by entering or continuing in the light. We can watch for the signs and live the commandments, but to do so, we must know what they are. The only way to know these things for ourselves is to study the scriptures prayerfully and thoughtfully. We can refuse to be fearful. We can love and serve our families and brethren throughout the world. We can keep to our own business and work with our hands. We can build each other up. We can pray and live by the direction of the Holy Ghost. We can be honest, gentle, plain, joyful, sober, and humble for the glory of God.  We can have peace within if we choose to live in the light.