All Washed Up

I was thinking about sanctification today. That whole process that Jesus works in our lives to help us become more like Him. Do we really understand how important it is for us to cooperate with Him in this?

Some believe that Jesus came to die for our sins that we might be saved and one day go to heaven and live there happily ever after. Surprise! That's not the whole story. Jesus came to die for us that we might be saved and from that day forward begin to live more like Him each day.

Remember the Great Commission in Matthew 28? What did Jesus say? To make disciples (help lead others to Christ and salvation) and to teach them all that Jesus commanded. Why teach them? So that they might grow in sanctification and live according to the principles and commands that He set forth. We are to be saints, set apart, His special children. We are to be different from the world. He teaches us how to be more like Him and He expects our cooperation and growth.

Its like when a child is born into your family, is that the end of the story? No, its just the beginning. You set out on the path of training and educating your children. Teaching them first and foremost how to respond to God's call in their life and how to live obediently to the commands of God. You are to live out the Great Commission towards each child God blesses you with!! He gave them to you, not to anyone else. Don't delegate this duty and privilege.

Anyway, its the same way with God. When we are born into His family, He begins to teach us and train us up to live obediently towards Him. He personally works in our lives. He leads us in sanctification that we might reflect the awesomeness of who He is in our lives and that He might be glorified.

So how about you? Are you all washed up?