ODJ: undefiled
God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin (v.3).
READ: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7
My husband and I have enjoyed ministering to young people for the past 15 years. So as I read the local wedding announcements, I often see the names and faces of former students who used to be in our church’s youth group. One day, while reading a random announcement of a couple I didn’t recognize, I became even more aware of the brokenness of our society. The picture of the happy couple seemed to deny any consequences of their having celebrated their honeymoon 3 months prior to their wedding.
Sadly, sex outside of marriage has become the norm, even within the church. We have our justifications, telling ourselves that sexual sin is okay because we deserve to be happy or that we’re going to get married soon anyway. Thinking we know more than God, we’ve made our own rules and broken His commands. The result continues to be disastrous—especially because forbidden sin feels good.
Our flesh wants all the benefits of sexual pleasure without the boundaries of God’s Word, but Hebrews 13:4 says, “Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled” (NASB). Sexual purity goes beyond the body to the heart (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Are we willing to trust God’s standards because we’re confident of His love? Or will we do things our way because His way seems unfair or too hard?
God designed sex to be something good (Genesis 2:24), and the honor of a man and the beauty of a woman radiates from his or her choice “not to awaken love until the time is right” (Song of Solomon 2:7). The world says whenever, but God says only within marriage. Our actions reveal whether we believe Him or not. —Regina Franklin
In what ways do we try to get around God’s rules about sex? Why must our motivation to avoid sexual impurity be greater than our fear of the consequences?
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Loading ...ODB: a time for readjustment
December 13, 2009
READ: Leviticus 25:1-7
In the seventh year there shall be a sabbath of solemn rest for the land. —Leviticus 25:4
The earth’s solar orbit takes 365 and a quarter days. Because of this, every 4 years an extra day is added to the calendar so we don’t fall behind in the natural cycle of things. Each leap year we add that day onto the end of February. In this way, the calendar is readjusted to the astronomical timetable.
In the calendar of ancient Israel, God set up a remarkable means of readjusting things. Just as mankind was commanded to rest every seventh day (Ex. 20:8-10), so the land was to be allowed to rest during the seventh year (Lev. 25:4). This sabbatical year allowed the farmland to replenish for greater fertility. In addition, debts were canceled (Deut. 15:1-11) and Hebrew slaves were set free (vv.12-18).
With our busy schedules and our hectic pace of life, we too need readjustment. Demands of work, family, and church can require reevaluation. One way we do that is by observing the sabbath principle—making sure to set aside time to rest and prayerfully refocus our priorities. Jesus, for example, went “to a solitary place; and there He prayed” (Mark 1:35).
When can you pull aside from your activities and prayerfully ask God to reset your spiritual calendar to His Word and His will? Is it time for a readjustment? — Dennis Fisher
To make the most of your time, take time to pray.
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