Life not emptIness

By Tom Swallow

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality”.

 1 Thessalonians 4:3.

When I was a student and started following Jesus more seriously.

I quickly noticed that some of what I did wasn’t compatible with how He lived. The things I once saw as normal - getting drunk, chasing wealth, casual dating - pursuing whatever felt good in the moment—suddenly didn’t align with the life God was calling me to.

That’s where sanctification comes in.

It’s a big word, right? But simply put, it means to be made holy— or to be set apart for God.

Holiness isn’t about being perfect or following a list of rules; it’s about choosing to live in a way that pleases God, even when it’s different from what the world encourages.

The world says, “You do you, follow your heart” but holiness calls us to something greater. Instead of chasing temporary pleasure, we are set apart from that motive, we follow God’s way, we trust that His plans bring true joy, peace, and fulfillment.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 says:

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality."

God isn’t trying to take away our joy— in fact it’s the opposite; he wants us to experience true joy, lasting peace and a life of fulfillment. He’s inviting us into something better.

His ways lead to life, not emptiness.

And Holiness isn’t about a list of rules, with boxes to tick; it's about a relationship. It’s about growing closer to God and reflecting his character more in our lives.

Our desires, what feels right, will come and go, but not all of them will lead to life, love, joy and peace. But when we follow God, we find freedom because his way brings life, love, joy and peace.

So ask yourself: Am I following my desires, or am I following God?

This week to show you don’t rely on earthly pleasures but on God to provide your love, joy and peace. You could try to give up one thing that brings you pleasure, maybe the PS4 or those glasses of Coke.

And whatever you do you can pray this:

Jesus,

Help me to know you more clearly and follow you more nearly. I pray that you would help me to live a life full of your love, joy and peace.

Amen.