Sanctification Musings

The heart we are told in God’s Word is devious (Jeremiah 17:9). And yet it’s to the heart that we must look when considering actions of others and ourselves.

I struggle with Christian piety when it’s on display for others to comment on and appreciate. My faith teaches me that Christian piety is a response to my faith, a working of the Holy Spirit within me to help me be grateful for and in response to my faith which, again, is not of my own doing, but is of the Lord.

Another way to look at this is via our vocations. God grants us each different talents as we are made in His image. And yet, what He gave for me to do is not what He gave for you to do. As we go about our days, doing the tasks He has set before us in whatever our vocation is, it is natural for us to seek recognition and appreciation for what we’ve done. This is our human nature. But, this should not be the reason we do things. (James 2). It is the Lord’s approval that matters, not man’s. (Luke 16:15)

I think what I am struggling with is the idea of sanctification as it is viewed differently among Christians. When we think that we somehow have a part in our sanctification (like when we claim we have a part in our salvation by making a decision for Christ) then we’ve lost focus of what and who and how we are sanctified. And it is not of our own doing or our own works, Scripture tells us.

So when we deem to take the credit for it, it isn’t out of humility that we do so, it is out of our pride and preening and need to be recognized and to be appreciated. (Luke 16:15 and Hebrews 3:10)

And I cannot condemn others for this if I am not willing to take a somber look at my own complicity with this idea, for I do crave to be noticed and appreciated too.

Still, it bothers me. When folks tout their own works I want to correct them. (Colossians 2:1-5). UGH!

So this is my earnest prayer: … the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)