THANKFULNESS REPLACES REGRESS

Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God's people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes??”these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. ??“ Ephesians 5:3-4 (NLT)

            The evil inclinations that once held us in their grasp tend to resurface frequently enough to cause real spiritual concern. While we have been forgiven for all of our sins there is no promise that the temptation to repeat them will not occur. Here are listed some of the most common types of sinful activity that used to have a hold on us and that threaten to return if we are not on our guard.

            At issue here is our level of desire to follow the example set by Jesus Christ. Can we for a moment think that our Messiah would find Himself engaged in any of these activities? If not, then we should also find it hard to imagine ourselves occupied with them. To follow Christ is not only to believe His claims about Himself, but to actually become like Him in His everyday behavior. The antidote to giving into ungodly activities is to live a life of thankfulness to God. The control the sin nature once held over us is now handed over to the Holy Spirit. We are not just giving thanks, but living thanks. A life of gratitude toward God arms us against reverting to the old life we have rejected.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Father, remind me often of my need for gratitude. Strengthen me for the battle.