1 Thessalonians 4

“God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. ⁴ Then each of you will control his own body^[b] and live in holiness and honor—⁵ not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. ⁶ Never harm or cheat a Christian brother in this matter by violating his wife,^[c] for the Lord avenges all such sins, as we have solemnly warned you before. ⁷ God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives. ⁸ Therefore, anyone who refuses to live by these rules is not disobeying human teaching but is rejecting God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” v. 3-8

Strong words with deep meaning.  When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior we are made Holy.  However, to live in Holiness means to live pure in a sinful world.  Almost every passage of scripture that encourages us to turn from sin starts with sexual sin.  If you look at our world today the number 1 temptation we face involves sexual thoughts and or actions.  Why, because because sex sells! Therefor, its everywhere.

If we are going to live pure in a dirty world we have to begin by examining our thoughts, what we watch, and what we listen too.  Have you ever listened to what some of the main stream music is talking about?  I am guilty here of getting wrapped up in a song and not thinking about what it is talking about.  My wife pointed out one of theses to me two weeks ago.  Then two days ago my 5 year old was singing along with a song that had the phrase “give you hell” in it.  I had to apologize to him and tell him not all the songs on the radio are good songs and asked him not to sing that song again.  He replied, well change the channel to a song i can sing.  That’s innocence by the way.

Now please hear me, I am not saying that you need to only listen to Christian Music.  What makes it Christian music by the way?  That’s probably another topic.  However, what you listen too, what you watch, and how you think, begins to be seen in your actions.  If you don’t believe me take a look at this.

Today, will you examine your life and begin to surrender the areas that are keeping you from living in holiness.