Paul insisted the Thessalonians make still greater progress in sexual purity (1 Thes 4:1). They were to live "in sanctity and honor, not in passionate desire as do the Gentiles who know not God" (1 Thes 4:4-5). "For the Lord is an Avenger of all such things" (1 Thes 4:6). "God has not called us to immorality but to holiness" (1 Thes 4:7).
Christ's standards for sexual purity are much higher than most Christians' standards. Jesus says: "Anyone who looks lustfully at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his thoughts" (Mt 5:28). The Lord commands: "As for lewd conduct or promiscuousness or lust of any sort, let them not even be mentioned among you; your holiness forbids this. Nor should there be any obscene, silly, or suggestive talk; all that is out of place" (Eph 5:3-4).
In a world that talks about "safe sex," considers sex recreation, and thinks watching adultery and fornication on TV is entertainment, Jesus is a "sign of contradiction" (Lk 2:34, our transl.). He will avenge sexual sin (1 Thes 4:6), which He considers a rejection not of man-made laws but of Him (1 Thes 4:8). Be pure as Jesus is pure (1 Jn 3:3).
| PRAYER: | Father, may our world repent of sexual fantasies, masturbation, artificial birth control, oral sex, "dirty jokes," immodest dress, watching filth on TV, fornication, adultery, homosexual acts, and abortion. |
| PROMISE: | "Keep your eyes open, for you know not the day or the hour." –Mt 25:13 |
| PRAISE: | James owns a television, but watches only shows that edify or educate. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College