Identify, Change, Repeat

Sanctification is the process where a follower of Jesus is changed by Him to  become more like Him on their individual journey of life. It is a very simple process to understand

How do you become more like Christ? Again, a very simple process. Read about Him in the Bible and let Him guide you. He will never be silent.

You can’t be changed into the image of Jesus if you don’t know Him. You won’t be moved to become like Him if you listen to the world’s definition of Christ. You’ll never be fully transformed by going to church on Sunday and listening to what the Pastor says about Him.

Sanctification is an individual, unique process for every believer. He will work to sanctify me in different ways than my wife, as I have different issues that need to be addressed and different talents to be used for Him. Jesus has a unique path for my wife and for me.

The journey of sanctification continually takes us through three phases: Identify, change, repeat.

Identification involves having an active heart to listen and look for God.

God will continually illuminate area of sin and disobedience, mostly through the reading of His Word. When sin is mentioned, the mind naturally goes to what the world would define as blatant, obvious disobedience like murder or sin that is easy to identify.

But, God takes you down a path to purity of the heart and mind. The things not easy to see. Lack of forgiveness or love. Gossip. The quiet worship of idols (money, fame, etc.) Division.

Additionally, God will also continually illuminate a journey for you. Maybe it is a church ot join, a job to take, a person to text or call, a ministry to lead, a lunch to have. His work is unlimited.

Changing simply means to forsake the current action or path and follow.

If He illuminates a sin, simply repent. Stop. Do a 180. If He illuminates, never ignore. The tendency is to think that the area is small, inconsequential. Adrian Rogers said that sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.

If He illuminates a path, take it. Our job is to go, to follow. The number one reason for not going is fear. That is why He repeatedly tells us not to have fear. The tendency will be to shrink back. Sanctification is the process of faith overcoming fear and taking the step forward.

And, finally, repeat. The process will never end as long as you live.

You have a perpetual, never-ending relationship with Jesus. He gives you the Holy Spirit to continually talk to you and guide you.

Reflect on the lives of Moses, Joseph, Mary, Peter, Paul, any follower of Christ in the Bible. They were continually being sanctified. They give us a great model.

Moses was initially startled to hear from God, then He followed wherever He led. Joseph moved from an obedient follower of Moses to leading the people to the Promised Land behind the trust of God. Mary was a young girl who doubted who ended up crying at the foot of the Cross. Peter moved from a reluctant follower of Jesus to sharing his faith in front of 3k+ people that had just brutally murdered his Savior. Paul moved from brutally murdering Christians to a willingness to die for Him.

They all moved through the process of sanctification, continually being transformed to the image of Jesus. 

Remember, sanctification is an active process. It doesn’t involve saying a prayer and being done. It doesn’t involve locking your faith in a closet, bringing it out on Sundays. Sanctification is happening every thought, every moment, every day.

But, know that you will fail. Jesus gets it. Give yourself grace. His mercies are truly new each day. His arms are continually open to receive you back.

So, remember, always identify and be open to changing when God shows you areas in your life that need to be addressed or paths on the journey that you need to take.

It is worth it. It is our life calling. Joy will be found and you will be taken to places you never imagined.

If you are a follower of Jesus, He is speaking and moving in your life right now.

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