Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

While we look forward to the coming of Jesus—the hope of our future—we still live in the now. Our feet are on the ground, and we’ve got some walking to do.

Our spiritual life is like walking a trail. Maybe you’ve gone for a walk or a run through the woods before. I love doing that—but you know what? I have to watch my steps. Every single one matters. There are roots, rocks, holes in the ground, sticks that look like snakes (and sometimes snakes that look like sticks!). I’ve even had a snake race me up the side of a mountain!

That’s life, isn’t it? Spiritually speaking, we have to focus on each step, because we never know what’s out there that could trip us up or lead us off course.

Paul opens 1 Thessalonians 4 with this reminder: “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” (v.1). This Christian life is a walk—a daily, steady, forward movement of faith. Paul says, keep going. Keep growing. Don’t stop where you are.

Colossians 2:6 echoes that same thought: “As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” The same faith you had when you first received Jesus for salvation is the faith you need to keep taking each step with Him. Faith isn’t a one-time moment—it’s a daily walk that deepens as you get to know Him more.

And here’s the truth—you can’t do that on your own. You can’t force yourself into holiness or talk yourself into righteousness. Only Jesus can make His promises real to you and for you. When He becomes real to you—when you truly connect with Him—your obedience stops being a duty and starts becoming a desire. You’ll want to obey Him, not out of fear, not for reward, but because your love for Him compels you.

Paul goes on to say, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality” (v.3). God wants us to grow up in the Lord—to become more like Jesus every single day. That’s what sanctification means: being set apart by God for God. You and I were created for a holy purpose. We belong to Him, and we are called to live like we belong to Him.

So let’s be honest: you can’t willfully live in sin and expect to be useful to God. Compromise has no place in a holy life. It’s not okay to say, “We’re living together because money’s tight,” or, “We already had a baby, so it’s basically the same thing.” No. If you know it’s sin, stop justifying it. Make it right. True repentance means turning away from sin, not excusing it.

Paul is very clear: “Each of you should learn to control your own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like those who do not know God” (vv.4–5). You can’t sing worship on Sunday and sleep in sin on Saturday. You can’t walk in holiness and dance with compromise. We are called to be different.

Without God, holiness seems impossible—and that’s because it is. But with the Holy Spirit living inside you, everything changes. He gives you the strength, the self-discipline, and the desire to live a life that pleases God. He is the “Holy” Spirit—He makes us holy.

So when we choose sin, we’re not just disobeying—we’re dragging the Holy Spirit into it with us. Think about that. Think about how that grieves His heart. Paul even warns that “the Lord is an avenger in all these things” (v.6). God takes holiness seriously, because it reflects His very nature.

But holiness isn’t the only part of this walk. Paul also reminds us that part of growing up spiritually is learning to love people. “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” (v.9). Not always easy, right? That’s why he says, “Do this more and more.” Keep growing in it.

And then Paul gives this super practical wisdom: “Aspire to live quietly, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one” (vv.11–12). In other words—mind your business, invest your time wisely, and put your energy into things that honor God. Be busy with what matters, not just busybodies.

When you get tired on this walk, remember—you’re not alone. Think of Jesus. Think of who He is and what He’s done for you. Put that on one side of the scale, and live in a way that balances the other side—not that we ever could fully, but we can walk in a way that honors Him.

That’s what it means to walk worthy.

So keep walking. One step at a time. Eyes on Jesus. Feet on the path. Heart set apart.

Live bold. Live set apart. Live for Christ.