Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 ESV

The word “sanctification” simply means to make holy, to be transformed into Christ-likeness. It is the work of the Holy Spirit that begins the moment we say “yes” to Jesus. But we, too, have a role to play in the process. Just as our food choices affect our physical health, our actions, our words, and our daily habits affect our spiritual health. If we choose sin and rebellion from God, we won’t grow closer to Him or come to resemble Him in any way. Sanctification requires us to focus intently on God and on His point of view. When we do, we are keeping our spirit and soul and body for God’s purposes. 

The work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is not instant, it is not rushed, and it is not painless. He doesn’t just magically make us patient or kind or generous or compassionate. He gives us opportunities to learn and grow. He allows us to walk through difficult, sometimes painful and frightening circumstances, that lead us to become more patient, kinder, more generous, and more compassionate. As believers, if we truly desire to be made holy, to be set apart by Jesus, FOR Jesus, we must be ready and willing to walk through the challenges before us. He gave Himself as a sacrifice so we can be made holy by His truth (John 17:19). He paid a high price for us, and He deserves our intense focus, our entire selves, and to be eagerly invited into every single aspect of our lives. 

God’s goal for you is not wealth. It is not success. It is not a perfect body, a perfect spouse, a perfect career, or a perfect home. His goal for you is wholeness! Because with wholeness comes peace, joy, love, humility, generosity, compassion, and so much more. Give Jesus every area of your life. See that your actions, your words, and your habits are in tune with His heart. He will make you whole. You are loved!