How do I convoy?

Let's get a quick review where we have been: For the last few months, we have discussed the concept of "convoy as a verb", with a view toward making it home with the valuables God has placed in our lives.

Convoy, verb: accompany for protection. (Synonyms - escort, accompany, attend, flank; protect, guard, defend). From the late Middle English, originally Scottish, as a verb, in the sense of ‘convey’, ‘conduct’, ‘act as escort’.

Jan - Men of ACTion: Abide, Convoy, Transfer
Feb - Kingdom: Who is God? Whose are we? Castle or Kingdom?
Mar - Abiding: What does it mean to abide?
Apr - Abiding: Transforming into the image of Christ
May - Abiding: Loving the things He loves
Jun - Convoying: Why do I convoy?
Jul - Convoying: Who do I convoy?

In August, we are focusing on the question of "How do I convoy?" By way of introduction, I came across these ideas that Paul shared with the church at Thessalonica, as interpreted through the thoughtful lens of Eugene Peterson, and I thought we could do a lot worse than to start here.

1. Be honest, encouraging, and graceful.
Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part. Our counsel is that you warn the freeloaders to get a move on. Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs. And be careful that when you get on each other’s nerves you don’t snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. -1 Thessalonians 5:13-15 (MSG)

2. Maintain perspective and be positive.
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (MSG)

3. Continue to abide; you can't serve from a dry well.
Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil. -1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (MSG)

4. Remember you are on mission from the King!
May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it! -1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (MSG)