Spiritual Evergreens
Washington is called the “Evergreen State.” The experts say we have 25 different types of evergreens growing in our state. While most of the evergreens are in the western side of the state, these conifers are found in every part of the state. The one thing they all have in common is what we enjoy most about them…they never stop being green.
You could say that the Lord wants us to be evergreen-like followers who never stop displaying and growing three virtues in our lives. These virtues are well-known, but easily neglected and underdeveloped.
Paul unveils them in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18.
Joy (v. 16: “rejoice always”)
Prayer (v. 17: “pray without ceasing”)
Thanksgiving (v. 18: “in everything give thanks”)
First, these evergreen-like virtues are fundamentally transformative in every believer’s life.
Joy is the feeling and expression of an inner gift of satisfaction from God that is undisturbed by outside circumstances, people, and things. It helps us rise above the fray of life to see what God promises to do in us (James 1:2–4), remember the ultimate reward (Matt. 5:10–12), and cherish the security of our salvation (1 Pet. 1:6–8).
Prayer is God’s ordained means to gain His wisdom (James 1:5; Col. 4:3–4), to find “grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16), “to draw near to God” (James 4:8), and to influence others for Christ (1 Sam. 12:23; James 5:16; Col. 4:12).
Thanksgiving is a characteristic of a forgiven heart (Col. 2:7) that recognizes God’s praiseworthiness (Psalm 95:2–3), acknowledges His perfect will (1 Thess. 5:16), and appreciates His rich blessings (Col. 1:12; Heb. 12:28).
Second, these evergreen-like virtues are to be practiced in a certain way.
Each is an imperative verb, so the Lord wants a willing and responsive heart.
Each has modifiers that stand before the verb in the original language (“always rejoice”; without ceasing pray”; “in everything give thanks”).
Each is in the present tense which demands a perpetual, continual application.
Each is part of “God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
The evergreens in Washington use photosynthesis to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen and sugars which gives the leaves their green color. Evergreens have strong leaves that are rolled up as long, thin needles with a waxy coating. The needle shape enables the evergreens to conserve water during the summer and winter to allow the photosynthesis process to continue. This is why the needle leaves can remain attached longer and stay green all year.
God’s evergreen virtues (joy, prayer, thanksgiving) are all gifts from Him to us and energized by the Holy Spirit, so every time you see an evergreen, think of the 19 words God wants ever-growing and ever-operating in your life.
“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Pastor Jeff