Daily Devotions - A Life Pleasing to God

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 (ESV)
A Life Pleasing to God
4 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man, but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you. 9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

 

What would this passage say to someone who believes that you can do anything you want as long as you mind your own business?

 

Holy Father, thank You for loving me, for dying for my sins and giving me Your Holy Spirit. You knew I was a sinner but willingly suffered for me anyway. How can I ever thank You for Your grace and forgiveness? I want to live my life in a way that is pleasing to you out of humility and thankfulness. Help me to not disobey and disappoint You by living my life contrary to Your commands. Protect me from immorality and help me to treat my body with dignity. I know that You are concerned about my body as well as my soul. Help me to show Your love to my family and those around me. Allow me to respect others and earn their respect by working diligently to keep those things in my control in order, to work hard at my job, to serve those in need, and to worship You with all my heart.  Allow my behaviors to attract, not distract those who are not followers of You. Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirit who is at work within me, and who helps me to live a life that pleases you. Help me to live a holy life of love, hope, and encouragement. Amen