Entirely Sanctified

 A few years ago, a big tow truck took away my car, not because I couldn't drive it to the maintenance facility or was parked in a NO PARKING zone, but because I was donating it to a non-profit organization I respect and support. I owned that forest green Saturn sedan for eighteen years, and came to trust that when I needed it, it would be ready and waiting for me to slide into the driver's seat. Eventually, however, it was needing more repairs than I was willing to continue investing money in.

My elderly mother sold me her newer Ford hatchback, since she hardly used it. Changing my driving habits from operating a sedan with manual transmission to a fully automatic hatchback made me incredibly anxious. How would I remember what all of those buttons do and pay attention to my driving at the same time? I practiced with my mom's car before the day arrived when I would need to give up my Saturn. My anxiety gradually lessened as I learned to trust that the new car would perform up to my expectations. By the time the tow truck drove away, I was ready and happy to say goodbye to my old, green Saturn.

Learning to fully trust Jesus is like my experience with these two cars. Each day I decide with my mind that I want to follow in Jesus's steps. Each day I read my Bible and practice new ways to imitate Jesus. Some times I make mistakes and have to try again, asking God and sometimes others for forgiveness. Each morning God gives me a brand new day during which the old me falls away and I take on the new me that is more like Jesus. This is what it means to be sanctified, the process of sanctification.

“May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.” --I Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NRSV)

Thought For the Day: God is faithful.            Prayer Focus: People making challenging life changes.