For This Is The Will of God

For This Is The Will of God ...
Even Your Sanctification.
1 Thessalonians 4:3

We Christ-Followers throw around all kinds of words, especially when we are talking God Speak to one another; yet, it seems to me, when we do so, I wonder if we are all speaking the same language? Take for example this word sanctification.  In a world that is trying to make sins into civil rights, do we even think about one of the absolute most important concerns of the Almighty? I hear so much stuff from people how each one says more than not, "We all know how we fall short." Then, such thinking causes guilt to come in and take over.  The more we focus on our weaknesses and failures, the more we are weak and we fail. The more we test the boundaries of morality with the lowest common denominator of what we perceive enables us to get by, the more we get in the habit of living as people who just get by.  This is sad because of what is God's will and God's Way.

"This IS the will of God, even your sanctification."  Say what?  Yup! it's God's will for you to become holy and like Jesus. As a matter of fact the Bible is clear, "Without holiness, no one will see the Lord." This "sanctified" way of being is the way of living in peace ... peace with God, the peace of God that comes from the God of peace. (Hebrews 12:14.) And He works in everything to make you into this image of Christ. Remember Romans 8:28-29?  This tells us that God works in ALL things for the good of those who love God and are called according to HIS purpose.  It also reminds us that God knew us beforehand, and He knew He would use all the stuff that happens to us to form us into the image of Christ.

Therefore, I encourage you, to learn all you can about sanctification and about the sanctified life rather that continually reflection on failures and falling short.  Why?  Because this is THE WILL of God ... He wants you and me to be sanctified. He wants us to be formed into the very image of Christ Jesus.  Because it is God's will to do so, let's daily deny ourselves, take up the Cross and deliberately and intentionally follow Jesus.  God will do the rest.

SoJourner

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