Not Called to be Impure, But to Live a Holy Life

 

For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

—1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 (NIV)

 

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for not only calling me to live a holy life, but also for equipping me to live that life by giving me the Holy Spirit, who empowers me for this journey toward holiness.

Help me never forget that the instruction to live a holy life does not come from a man, but from You—and is given to me out of Your unsurpassed wisdom, for my own benefit, because of Your great and unfailing love for me.

Let me always remember that when I reject this instruction—instead of allowing it the opportunity to work in me the protections and blessings it brings—I am not rejecting a man, but I am rejecting You, the LORD GOD, my Creator and Protector.

Help me see that in doing so, I have grieved Your Holy Spirit within me—and have separated myself from the very One who You have given to me to make it possible for me to turn from impurity and choose to live a holy life.

Help me to understand fully that when I choose impurity over Your call to holiness, I don’t have my own best interests at heart—because I have rejected You, and Your very best for me.

Thank You for not only calling me to live a holy life, but also for equipping me to live that life by giving me the Holy Spirit, who empowers me for this journey toward holiness.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.