First of All

First of All

Who measures up to this word? What a work! Who has time for it? Who takes time for it? Who possesses such a fullness of the love of Christ that His heart contains such an unspeakably keen interest and care for all men?

Here there is something to reach out for. Pray regularly for everything that is still lacking, for everything that is not yet as it should be; pray for each individual with whom you are acquainted from among all the saints, from among all those who are converted and those with whom you are acquainted from among the unconverted. Next, pray for all those with whom you are not acquainted but of whom you know. Finally, pray for all those with whom you are neither acquainted nor know of, for each one in whatever situation they might find themselves—whether it be high or low, poor or rich, healthy or sick, dejected or cheerful, talkative or reserved, weak or strong; some who are bothered by one thing and others by something else, and so on.

And then: Giving thanks for all men! This is in agreement with the words: “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God . . . ,” and, “Honor all people . . . .” 1 Pet. 2:17. We are exhorted to do this, so there must be good and reasonable grounds for it in every instance. In any case, there is something in every single person’s life to be thankful for—first and foremost in the lives of those who are really saintly and self-sacrificing; in the lives of faithful fellow workers of God who have worked for our salvation and edification—for each member of the body of Christ. Next, for all the converted people who to a greater or lesser extent have made an effort to do some good. Then for the unconverted who have accomplished something that was more or less useful, that has been to our and other people’s benefit; especially for parents and other guardians and older siblings, for example, and for people in government, and then for those who strive, each one in their profession, for the common good and benefit and interest, such as tradesmen, fishermen, sailors, farmers, merchants, maids, physicians, midwives, railroad workers, chauffeurs, nurses, cleaning ladies, renovators, and so on.

First for those we know, and then for those we do not know. First for the friends, but then also for enemies. First for those with good intentions, but also for evil and headstrong people. First for the most useful, then for the less useful, but also for those who in everyday language are deemed useless. Even these last ones will, through God’s wise and gracious guidance still become useful in their own way. Otherwise it would be meaningless to give thanks for something in their life. However, we are exhorted to give thanks for all men.

In due time, as we put off sin and to the same degree as this occurs, we have opportunities to live according to 1 Timothy 2:1. It is obvious that this is not just a matter of form, but that we shall pray and give thanks from the heart. We are exhorted not to come with empty words and hypocrisy, but to pray and give thanks in spirit and in truth.

In other words, this word becomes a measure of our life’s content. When it concerns this area, the vast majority of people, when they are weighed, are found if not too light, yet very light.

May God powerfully help all of us. Amen.