How do we know what is good or bad? Hebrews tells us that we can “exercise our senses to discern between good and evil” (Heb. 5:14). It is that ability that helps us stay clear of the traps and temptations this world throws at us. The fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, when consumed, removed innocence and required the consumer to forever discern between good and evil. Paul, in his first letter to Thessalonica, encouraged them to, “Hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:21). In that chapter he lists several good things that we should hold on to.
1) Hold on to your leaders (1 Thess. 5:12-13a; 1 Cor. 16:15-18; Heb. 13:17; Col. 4:12).
2) Hold on to peace (1 Thess. 5:13b; 2 Cor. 13:11; Rom. 12:18; 14:19; 16:19-20; Phil. 4:4-7).
3) Hold on to those who are struggling with their faith (1 Thess. 5:14; Gal. 6:1; Luke 22:32).
4) Hold on to a kind spirit or right doing (1 Thess. 5:15; Rom. 12:21; Gal. 5:22-23).
5) Hold on to happiness and a sense of well-being (1 Thess. 5:16; Acts 13:52; John 16:22; Matt. 25:21).
6) Hold on to prayer (1 Thess. 5:17; Phil. 4:6-7).
7) Hold on to gratitude (1 Thess. 5:18; 1 Tim. 4:3; Rev. 4:9; 1 Cor. 15:57; 2 Cor. 2:14; Psa. 50:14).
8) Hold on to the spiritual life and its values (1 Thess. 5:19; Col. 1:8; Col. 3:1-3).
9) Hold on to sound doctrine (1 Thess. 5:20; 2 Tim. 3:16; Jas. 1:21; Tit. 2:1).
10) Hold on to a discerning mind (1 Thes. 5:21a; 1 John 4:1).
11) Hold on to the good (1 Thess. 5:21b).
12) Hold on to a hate for sin, not for sinners (1 Thess. 5:22; Jude 23; Psa. 97:10).
This is the result of holding on to these things. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23). Whenever you find a good thing, what do you do with it? Do you hide it away or share it with others? Do you treat it as a common item or protect it? In much the same way these good things need to be shared, protected and cherished. Holding on to these good things is not a one-time act. We must continually choose these good things, and others like them, over any other. Look for these good things in your life and help others find the same. How hard would you try to hold on if your life or the life of your loved one was at risk? Let us go and do likewise.