This Is the Will of God: Your Sanctification

This meditation is based on a passage for May 1, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Reflection and Question: Although “sanctification” is one of those old words we don’t use very often any more, Paul is very clear that our sanctification is God’s will. “Sanctus” is the Latin word for holy, so “sanctification” is being made holy by doing what is pleasing to God. Then Paul characterizes a holy life with two specific instructions: first, charging the Thessalonians to “abstain from fornication” (from the Latin word, “fornix,” which means “brothel”) and second, “to lead a quiet life” and “mind your own business.” How are you sanctified?

Prayer: Most loving God, we know how we ought to live and what pleases You. We shall control our bodies, being careful not to exploit or wrong another. We will love our brothers and sisters, live quietly, dependent on no one. Sanctify us, then. Amen.