Living Holy Lives

When it comes to murder, everyone recognizes that it is wrong and something to be avoided and punished.  Jesus puts evil thoughts and sexual sin in the same category as murder.  Jesus teaches that indulging in sex outside of marriage spoils and pollutes us and ruins and degrades us.  Those who engage in such activity are not just disobeying human rules but are actually rejecting God’s perfect plan for their lives.  

The Bible also teaches us that we may be offensive to God in the way we talk, the way we think, the jokes we tell, the offhanded comments we make. These fit in the category of impurity of mind.  God warns us that if we engage in such activity, we will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 

Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.  You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. (Ephesians 5:4-5 NLT)

Impossible standards? On our own, YES! But God is faithful to do in us that which we cannot do for ourselves.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, You have called me to be holy because You are holy.  Give me the strength to live according to Your principles.  My desire is to live my life by faith in Jesus, who loved me and gave His life to pay for my sins. Amen