Thessalonians 4

In Chapter 4, Paul talks of sanctification or becoming holy. For some, holiness has taken on the connotation of being “holier than thou.” But what it means is to rid ourselves of any impure or unclean habits or thoughts. The more we gain self-control, not only do we become stronger and more self-disciplined, we gain more power in directing our lives towards those things that matter most. Every day, we take a shower or bath and clean ourselves in preparation for the work we have to do. The clean feeling we get after a shower always feels good and invigorating. You feel more ready to take on the day. Some times, it washes all the stress out and helps us to feel free of all the burdens that we have been feeling. Some days, we work hard and get extra dirty and it feels extra good to get rid the dirt and grime. Each week when we take the sacrament, it is our spiritual shower. When we strive to keep our lives morally clean, it is as if we are baptized and cleansed again. Each week, the degree or level of our sanctification can increase. I think it is a gradual process. Perhaps that is why so many elderly people seem so pure and full of love. Through this process, we see and feel more clearly. We feel renewed and strengthened. The Holy Ghost isn’t hindered from influencing, teaching, guiding and protecting us, often times without our being aware of his presence.

Sanctification increases our ability to love. That is why being “holier than thou” is actually the antithesis of it. Notice that Paul says to live a quiet life, to mind our own business and to do the work required of us. There is no process of comparison with other people in this. The only comparison is between who we have been and who we are now. So I believe that a sanctified person is able to love more easily and as a result, get along with all people regardless of their beliefs and life styles. President Hinckley was a prime example of this. He never sacrificed his values, but used them to bless others. People were drawn to him, felt better for having been around him. And he never caused a person to feel less because of the type of person he was.