When I was in high school my dad came into my room early one morning and announced, “I have something for you!” My teenage mind hoped that perhaps it was money or some other much desired item. He walked to my mirror and placed something on it. Groggily I got out of bed, wiped the sleep from my eyes, and discovered a one word sticker staring back at me.

It simply said: ATTITUDE.

For the record, I hated that sticker! It was the first thing I saw every morning when I got out of bed. (Whatever adhesive he used was very good too because it would not come off!) But it was good for me – it was my daily reminder to keep my attitude right. We all need helpful reminders of what really matters and how we should live.

1 Thessalonians 4 tells us what we know for sure: Jesus is coming again! Chapter 5 begins by telling us what we cannot know: we do not know when He will come. Then the chapter and the book end with reminders of how we should be living in light of the imminent return of Christ. It should make a difference in the way we live every day!

The chapter provides one of the most helpful lists on how to make the most of each season of your life. Would you like this to be the greatest school year yet? Then follow God’s assignment. We have examined the first part of the list from 1 Thessalonians 5 (read part 1 here). Take note of the rest of God’s counsel for us…

7. Stay thankful.

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (5:18).

Young people who want to know the will of God should start with what God has already revealed as His will. Do what you know and you will know what to do! One part of the will of God is that you give thanks in every thing. This does not mean that every thing in life is good, but God is good and we can be grateful for the way He helps us through every situation.

8. Obey all that the Holy Spirit tells you to do.

“Quench not the Spirit” (5:19).

The Holy Spirit in Scripture is often symbolized by fire – purging, spreading, glowing with the glory of God. We quench His heat and light in us when we refuse to follow His promptings. Over the summer perhaps you have taken steps of obedience. Don’t stop now! Whatever the Spirit of God tells you to do, obey Him immediately. Keep the fire burning bright in your life.

9. Listen to God’s Word and live it.

“Despise not prophesyings” (5:20).

Prophesyings is a word for God’s Word. A right attitude toward His truth is vital to our spiritual growth at every season. This is not the time to get out of church or get away from God’s Word. Put yourself consistently under the teaching and preaching of the Bible each week and stay in the Bible for yourself every day.

10. Choose carefully.

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (5:21).

Every day you will be faced with decisions. There are some things that you should be “picky” about. Choose your friends and those who will influence you carefully. Do not rush into a decision. Test everything and determine to only allow into your life the things that are good.

11. Stay as far away from sin as you can.

“Abstain from all appearance of evil” (5:22).

The best way to keep a clean mind and a pure heart is to stay as far away from evil influences as possible. Do not see how close you can live to temptation without falling. Proverbs 4:15 says, “Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” Paul said, “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14). Don’t make it easy on yourself to sin! Everyone needs boundaries and you should draw them on the safe side.

12. Believe that God is able to keep you.

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (5:23-24).

In the end, it is not what we can do, but the Lord’s power that helps us to stand. Live by faith! You are weak but He is strong. Believe that He is able and depend on Christ to continue His work in you. He is faithful and He will enable you to be faithful too.

If you can follow Christ for a day you can follow Him for a week, a month, a year – a lifetime! Obey God’s Word one day at a time and you will have the greatest school year yet. My prayer for each of you is summarized in the closing words of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen” (5:28).