getting caught up

Hey errbody!

Sorry I'm still catching up on my blog... but after tonight we should be good.

The readings for yesterday and today: Jeremiah 16:16-21:14, Thessalonians 4:1-5:28, Psalm 81:1-82:8, Proverbs 25:7-10

So Paul says something important in yesterday's reading. He says "God's will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin."

So we see that part of holiness is avoiding sin, especially of the sexual variety. Do you wonder why that's so important? Well, there are many reasons of course. Sexual sins usually harm both you and other people. They misuse one of God's greatest gifts to us. And they can lock us in to lives that are not our OWN plan for our life, or God's best plan for us either. And then Paul gives us yet ANOTHER reason... "not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways."

And that's what holiness is. It means being set apart. Being "different" from other people, in a good way. It means drawing attention to ourselves because we don't act like "everyone else". What is the purpose of drawing attention to us?

You might say that the most important reason is to share the gospel with them. And that IS important. But the most important reason for us to live holy lives and draw attention to ourselves is to bring glory to God.

Now, before you get all introspecty about this... (that's a word! what are you talking about??) the best way for us to live holy lives is NOT to start focusing on our sexuality. That IS, in fact, the best way to become consumed by your sexuality and fight a long battle of trying to live a holy life.

The best way to live lives of holiness in our sexuality is to get busy loving people. Now, you might say "isn't getting busy loving people exactly what I should NOT be doing?" (Sorry, I'm feeling saucy tonight.) But you know what I mean. Find a homeless person to feed, or a prisoner to visit, or a child who need some clothes. Get out there and love people with the love of Jesus.

Next thing you know.... holy. :)

God, thank You for giving us practical advice for reaching impractical ends.