For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person--such a man is an idolater--has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. Ephesians 5:5-7 (NIV)
My mother used to say, “people make their choices and their choices make them.” So true. It matters how we live this one life we are given. We must remember we are not our own, we have been bought with a high price and we remain accountable to God for our lives. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV): “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”
It does us well to understand, we fall into sin but holiness must be a pursuit – a made up mindset, if you will. Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NIV): “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
We must remember that Scripture states godliness with contentment is great gain. And contentment is a learned secret. Paul also tells us in Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV): “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” This is a good word for us to ponder as contented people are a rarity in our day yet they remain a jewel in God’s crown. Further, they are the most wonderfully pleasant people to be around, Amen? They are filled with the sufficiency of Christ and lack no good thing.
We are to watch our lives and doctrine closely. Like King David, we must pray for God to search our hearts and point out what does not please Him and help us to change through the Holy Spirit’s power indwelling within us. This is for our very best. Always. The safest and most wonderful place to be is standing firm in God’s will, mature and fully assured.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 (NIV)