Works of Faith

O Lord, from whom all good proceeds: Grant us the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may always think those things that are good, and by your merciful guidance may accomplish the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Our minds lead us. Throughout Psalms, Proverbs, and Jesus’s teachings, we’re constantly reminded that while our actions are what we are most frequently judged by, it’s what’s going on inside our heads that motivates and animates the rest of our bodies.

During our Wednesday morning Bible study this week, we discussed the opening passage from 1 Thessalonians. Paul greets the church in Thessalonica, then mentions how proud he, Silas, and Timothy are of their observable actions. But Paul makes sure to also mention the motivating underpinnings behind these actions:

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 1:3)

In this week’s Collect, we pray first that we will be inspired by the Spirit to think good thoughts. By continuously keeping our thoughts in line with the good that comes from God, we will then be able to do good. Sounds easy enough, right?

Unfortunately, God’s good isn’t always top of mind for me. When I’m distracted by my own desires, perceived needs, priorities or preferences, I tend to bypass those I see around me who could use a little bit of God’s good things. Too often I neglect to work, labor, and endure; this neglect is probably due to my lack of focus on faith, hope and love.
 
This week’s Collect is a simple one: let us all pray to keep God’s good as our primary focus. If we are, then doing good is sure to follow.