Holy Expectations

Before the Apostle Paul signed his first letter to the Christians at Thessalonica, he wrote, "May the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely..."  (I Thessalonians 5:23)  The Apostle makes it sounds like God is ready to do a complete work.   "Entirely" means there will be nothing partial, or half done. Entirely means that no part of the inner being will be left untouched by holy presence and power.  If anyone wonders about the thoroughness of the work of grace, those words should send them in the right direction.

 

A few things about sanctification come to mind easily enough.  Through sanctification we come to a more constant and deeper awareness of the presence of God.  Through sanctification we discover a more constant and deeper awareness of the spiritual power available to us for the living of our lives.  Through sanctification we experience in a more natural and spontaneous manner the mindset and the loving heart of Jesus.  Through sanctification the fruit of Spirit begins to grow toward maturity.  Through sanctification we know a greater sensitivity to people and opportunities which are a part of each day. 

 

When we offer ourselves completely to God solely for the purpose His pleasure and design, we should not expect life to remain mediocre and ordinary, but filled with a sense that something more is being experienced in our life.  Never expect God not to make use of us if we declare to Him that we are completely available to do whatever it is that He has in His heart for us to do.