Holiness is not an optional extra

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 4:7 “God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives”.

 

Observation

Paul sets up a division between the impure and the holy. His examples centre on sexual morality and purity. In verse 3 he says “God wants you to be holy, so you should keep clear of all sexual sin”. He goes on to tell them that if they reject living a holy life that we not only break the laws and moral codes of the land but we reject God. Holy living is obviously a big deal to God! It doesn’t appear as an optional extra. Paul is reminding us that as members of God’s family we have an obligation to live exemplary lives which go beyond our own selfishness but reflect the life we have been given through the grace and sacrifice of Christ. This isn’t given as a request but is a direct reflection of what is required to be a follower of Christ.

 

Application

Living a holy life requires a complete makeover of my mind, my will and my desires. I cannot even imagine myself being able to live by the code of heaven without the renewing of my entire human bias. And praise the Lord, he does that for me at salvation and continues it through my daily walk with him. But remember - Paul was speaking to the church here. He wasn’t addressing the unconverted.  God knows that I need a daily reminder that I have been “set apart” – made holy – through the washing away of my sinfulness through Christs act on the cross. Holiness is not an optional extra that I can decide not to participate in; it is an inherent part of the life of a Christian. Therefore, living a holy life – with all of its requirements – becomes my daily walk. Because if I don’t, I actually reject God.

 

Prayer

This is serious stuff Lord. You have chosen me and called me to be a son in your family, and I have accepted and thanked you for that. But now, my responsibility is to live a holy life. Holy Spirit I need you each day to be my guide and my teacher. Remind me when I make an impure turn in my thinking and help me recognise the line of division I have just crossed. Give me the strength required to constantly live a holy life that is pleasing to the Father who watches over me. In Jesus name I ask. Amen.

 

Jim Jung