Reflect
Rare is the week that does not have me meeting with a young man (and/or a woman) struggling with pornography. If today’s passage is not taken in context, it can sound very over the top, perhaps even legalistic. It could mistakenly be taken that as long as you have your external actions looking moral, all is well. However, we need to look back to verse 1 to appreciate today’s passage. There we are told to be imitators of God. That is our vision, our desire if you will. Those caught in pornography (or who have a foul, or even sarcastic language) have a problem with limited desire. Rather than having a great desire to imitate God (who has a high view of the dignity of humanity), they are deceived (v.6) into accepting a low view of the dignity of others. They use others for their pitiful desire. They allow themselves to have their small desire (ungodly behaviour) rule their life, rather than accepting God’s grace to embrace the strong desire that the Holy Spirit fills with. It is not at all surprising when a Spirit-filled person demonstrates victory over the sinful chains that otherwise entangle. What is an indication of how much you desire to be like Jesus?
Pastor Dan
Pray
- Pray for the Prime Minister, Premier Notley, Mayor Iveson, your MP, your MLA, and any other government officials God brings to mind.
- Pray for Dave Schneider, Youth Ministry Pastor and his interns Ben Cheung and Jessica Del Genio.
- Pray for our Daycare in its service to children and their families this week. Pray for the director, Kristy Thomas.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Mike Bartusek and his family.