May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:23 NIV
Sanctification refers to the act of setting apart or separating for a unique thing or purpose. Recall last week's Truth Point which indicated that God is sifting things and people around you. The word this week - sanctification - is further testimony to this. However, He's not only sifting things and people, but He's sifting you.
God is cutting away and separating old habits, thinking patterns and carnal dispositions - in whatever form. He is sanctifying you - preparing you for the work that He has at the next level. I issue the same warning this week that I did last week - don't resist Him. If God is dealing with you regarding a certain area - let it go. Holding on to self-serving attitudes, behaviors or the like is not worth forfeiting the things that He has planned and prepared for you.
Confession time - God is dealing with me on patience and a consistent walk in the fruit of the Spirit. Keep in mind that I work full time, have a husband, two small children, a home to maintain, ministry responsibilities, etc..etc..etc. Some days it is really difficult to keep a cool head. But I'm encouraged that God is working on me from the inside out.
Often times, Christians want to change themselves. That's noble in theory but in reality we (in the flesh) cannot change ourselves. We must allow the person of the Holy Spirit to change us. That's why it is imperative that you understand the opening of the scripture which states that "God himself" will do it.
Be encouraged this week to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit and allow Him to sanctify you. Resist the temptation to try to do it yourself because when you fail - which you will - the enemy will tempt you with condemnation. Let go and let God cut away the things in you that do not serve His purposes.
As always, don't be condemned...be encouraged! |
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