SUMMARY: Reflection
OVERVIEW: Paul encourages the church to continue loving one another, but also to set themselves apart from sinful ways.
BIG IDEA: Live distinctively.
KEY VERSE: 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (Paul’s instruction)
God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Stop trying to be perfect, beating yourself up when you fail. I did not call you to live a sinless life, but I am calling you to live a holy life. I want people to see Jesus in you. I want you to reflect him so that when people look at you, they get a sense of what a changed life looks like. A holy life is a separate life. You will not always get to do what others do or go where others go. But is that a bad thing? Sometimes the healthiest life choice is saying “no.”
But live with purpose. Don’t say “no” to the world and then waste time watching TV. Your “no” should be a “yes” to something else. Find ways to serve and encourage others, and do your tasks with excellence. Be someone others aspire to emulate. Be the family member who oozes love, joy, and peace. Surrender regularly to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, and you will reflect Jesus more each day.
NEXT STEP
Identify an area in your life in which you struggle with impurity and ask someone to help you and hold you accountable. Find a key Bible verse that addresses the issue and review it regularly (do a Google search, if needed) — or memorize today’s key verse.
SONG
BONUS Lyric Video