REPURPOSED FOR HOLINESS

1 Thessalonians 4:1-6

It is God's will that you should be sanctified (I Thess. 4:3a).

You have probably witnessed a material possession designed for one purpose being made new as it was repurposed for something more useful. Such an item is no longer ordinary. Its new unique use will often draw praise and delight from others.

I grew up in a family that knew how to make do with what already existed. Repurposing in this way takes creativity and seeing from a different perspective.

Paul shared with the believers at Thessalonica God's desire in repurposing and setting them apart for something unique. They could no longer be common. A sanctified life in the kingdom of God doesn't look the same as a life in the worldly culture they found themselves in. They were set apart for a new purpose.

There is no room for guessing whether one is living the repurposed life or not. For Paul, it is important to spell out the specific differences that this "set apart" life entails. Abstaining from sexual immorality outside of marriage and refusing to use brothers and sisters in the community for personal gain are key to a life well lived before God.

Have you been set apart for a new purpose? Allow God to repurpose your life for the kingdom.

From Reflecting God 16 June 2021