“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 NIV
A new believer is sanctified when they place their faith in Jesus Christ. They are set apart for God’s purpose. Salvation takes place in a single moment, but sanctification is a lifetime process. Those who trust Christ as Saviour and allow the Holy Spirit to control their lives are being sanctified. It doesn’t matter what we may feel or how our actions appear to others. We are progressively maturing in our faith. If we’re growing, we must be working our way toward something. In Romans 8:29, the apostle Paul explained the Christian’s mission. He said, “For those whom [God] foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son.” Our character, conduct, and conversation should reflect our Lord Jesus Christ. On our own, we place too much emphasis on conduct. We get caught up following rules and rituals that look “Christian” yet don’t truly reflect our Lord. But God has given each believer His Holy Spirit as a teacher and guide. The Holy Spirit transforms our minds and hearts, so our character is much different than unbelievers. Only when we’re under the Holy Spirit’s control can we speak and act according to our true identity as God’s children. Our heavenly Father wants His children to be living examples of Him. God doesn’t expect perfection from us. He knows we cannot be totally sinless in our human body. Instead, He shows us how to think and act. Are we allowing Him to do that in our lives?
PRAYER THOUGHT
Holy Spirit, thank You for showing us to think and act like Jesus.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, thank You that You do not expect perfection from us. You know we cannot be totally sinless in our human body but You show us how to think and act through Your indwelling Holy Spirit in our lives. AMEN
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)
James 4:13-17
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