More and More (Resolutions)

“Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia.  But we urge you, beloved, to do so more and more, to aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we directed you, so that you may behave properly toward outsiders and be dependent on no one.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

The word on everyone’s lips at the beginning of a new year is “resolutions” – what do you resolve to do differently in the new year?  The holidays leave us overstuffed and ready to purge – lose weight, donate clothes and toys, quit smoking, etc.  I like the resolution prompted by Paul to the Thessalonians, and I’d like to make this my challenge to all of us.  Let’s love each other more and more.  Let’s aspire to live quietly, mind our own business, and do the work that has been set before us.  It sounds so simple, but I think perhaps it is more challenging than any weight loss program or diet we could try to pick up.  How many of us feel we live quiet lives?  How many of us can say we don’t gossip about or slander our bosses, co-workers, acquaintances, friends, or family?  Simple goals.  Big challenges.  But it is the stuff the New Testament and Jesus’s message are made of—love one another, and do so more and more.