Godly Principles

Anneta Pinto-Young 2 Minutes
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22).

In his letter to the church in Thessalonica, Paul summarised some major principles that the church should observe. Earlier in his letter, he encouraged the saints to show love and be at peace with everyone. Paul also wanted them to consider those who were not as well thought of. “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). He warned against revenge, but encouraged the saints to always do good to everyone. Later on in verse 16, Paul encouraged the church to rejoice always.

Paul was saying that, despite our challenges and difficulties, we can always find a reason to give praise and thanks to God. Our rejoicing is not in what God can do for us, but is based on who he is. Paul encouraged the church to pray without ceasing. We should never get tired of praying and bringing our requests before God. Do you get tired of speaking to your loved ones? Prayer is our conversation with our father who loves us and cares for us. Moreover, God is the main person who has the power to solve our problems. We sometimes spend too much time talking, to people who don’t have answers or solutions.

Paul warned the church not to quench the Holy Spirit. To quench the spirit means to refuse to heed to the leading or the Holy Spirit. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). Paul said that we should not despise prophecies. There are many false prophecies in our time. This does not mean that all prophets are false. Paul was saying that we should test everything. What this means is that, if you receive a prophecy from someone, test this for yourself. The main way to test a prophecy is to check whether or not it lines up with scripture. Remember that God does not contradict himself.

You should pray over anything prophesied over your life and also check to see if it lines up with what God has already told you. For example, if you have absolutely no interest in medicine and a ‘prophet’ says that you will be a doctor, then you can dismiss this as false. This is especially when it does not line up with your gifts and talents and you have already prayed and had confirmation about another career pathway. Remember that even seasoned prophets can miss it or interpret a revelation in the wrong way. What Paul suggests is that we take what is useful and stay away from every form of evil.

A.P.-Y.

Published by Anneta Pinto-Young

I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.

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13 thoughts on “Godly Principles”

  1. Thank you so much woman of God.
    Prayer is one of my favorite subject. I pay attention. Pray without seizing…Thank you enlightening on the meaning of quenching the spirit.
    And overally it came as a encouragement sometimes we grew weary in prayer or we tend to relax.
    But nothing that can leave heaven unless something leaves earth in form of prayer hence pray without seizing encouragement!

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  3. I am learning that one of the reasons that we are to give thanks in everything is that it turns our focus from our problems to our problem solver which is God; as for prophesy I think that in today’s time we have it so mixed up. We hear so much of I prophesy this financial blessing or this house or this spouse. When in truth a true prophecy is meant to edify the body of Christ. Even if that prophecy is a hard word. Prophecy also confirms something that God had already spoken to you and of course it will line up with his word!Test the spirit. This is a much needed word! Thank you! God bless!

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