If people walk with me, talk with me, looking for truth

They’re gonna find out soon

If they’re following me, then they’re gonna follow you

So let my life speak loud and clear

Lord, I wanna hear

“Well done.”

Well Done – Mariah Peters

I want to live a life that pleases God. I’m pretty sure if you’re reading this blog, you do, too. It’s not always an easy thing to do. We all want to stand before the Father at the end of our lives on earth and hear,

 We know going to church, giving tithes and offerings, helping others, and all that good church-going stuff; but Paul gives some pretty clear instructions to the church in Thessalonica as to how to live a life that pleases God. This week, we’ll take a look at some of them.

Respect Yourself

If you grew up in church, you heard it all your life. If you didn’t, it probably still isn’t a topic you casually converse about often. But in a culture where a video of Mylie Cyrus “twerking” goes viral and is an Internet sensation that gives her more exposure (no pun intended) than all of her Hannah Montana shows combined, it’s something that should not be ignored, especially if you are a parent or someone who works with young people.

Our young men and women today are bombarded with sexual images and sexually suggestive language. Advertisements in magazines, television commercials and shows, and even video games are filled with curvy, scantily clad women and buff men. I was shocked to learn there are even games where your characters can choose to have sex! (Games like Assassins’ Creed, Mass Effect and the Fable series.)

Our kids notice, too, when we say one thing, then watch television dramas and movies or read explicit books. While these things are not technically sexual immorality, they often glorify the very type of behavior we are called to avoid.

Please understand. I’m no Puritan. I wrote and edited romance novels before God redirected my writing. I’m not saying romance novels are evil, either. I am suggesting that we take a good look at the things in our life that might be a stumbling block for us, someone we know … or even our kids. (Hint: If you have to hide your copy of that “bestselling” novel from your kids, you might want to think about that.)

We need to be aware of the examples we’re setting. Most of all, we need to talk to our children and the other young people around us. The more you talk about sex and related issues, the easier it will be for them to come to you if they have a problem. It might be difficult at first, even uncomfortable and awkward. The world is not going to teach them the importance of controlling their own bodies in ways that are holy and honorable. Wouldn’t you rather they hear your godly, biblical counsel than get the advice of their peers or worse, do a Google search?

In His Love,

Amy