Does God have a purpose in bringing us into unity with Himself through our spiritual journey? Consider the truth that as we journey as pilgrims that God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and Holy Spirit work in our lives to make us more like Jesus. Quotes are from Oswald Chambers devotions as referenced, gotquestions.org, and the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
This process is know as progressive sanctification.
Progressive sanctification is what gradually separates the people of God from the world and makes them more and more like Jesus Christ. . .
https://www.gotquestions.org/progressive-sanctification.html
For numerous scriptural references and a detailed explanation of this process
https://www.gotquestions.org/progressive-sanctification.html
Lake Placid, Chickasaw State Park (SP), TN
The Test
Chambers identifies the crucial test of our character:
The true test of a person’s spiritual life and character is not what he does in the extraordinary moments of life, but what he does during the ordinary times when there is nothing tremendous or exciting happening. A person’s worth is revealed in his attitude toward the ordinary things of life when he is not under the spotlight
https://utmost.org/getting-into-god%e2%80%99s-stride/
How does this relate to sanctification? Sanctification is progressive with a starting point in Christ’s Justification (being made anew/right with God) and working through your present and future. Consider that our “ordinary” moments of life are when God shines through us to those around us! Are we authentic or “putting on” a show like an actor? Walking with God calls us to be put on the new self!
Ephesians 4:21-24 BSB
21Surely you heard of Him and were taught in Him—in keeping with the truth that is in Jesus— 22to put off your former way of life, your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be renewed in the spirit of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
The word Paul uses for new is Strong’s Number 2537 kainós – properly, new in quality (innovation), fresh in development or opportunity – because “not found exactly like this before.”
This is the exact same word Gospel writers use when reporting Jesus’ teaching about new patches garments and new wine into new wine skins (Matthew 9:17, Luke 5:35-38). Jesus also uses this term to refer to His new covenant (Luke 22:20) This is an important concept in the New Testament Gospels. For numerous examples:
https://biblehub.com/greek/2537.htm
God desires to create a “new” nature in us and He works in our lives to accomplish this purpose!
Friends Trail, Chickasaw SP, TN
Getting into God’s Stride
Walking with someone who is taller requires more energy than walking by yourself if you’re trying to keep pace. Why is this? Ever been the younger brother or sister who was trying to keep up with the older sibling?
Image from Canva Pro
It is difficult to get into stride with God, because as soon as we start walking with Him we find that His pace has surpassed us before we have even taken three steps. He has different ways of doing things, and we have to be trained and disciplined in His ways.
https://utmost.org/getting-into-god%e2%80%99s-stride/
This is a process that works through our daily lives. It’s not easy or painless as God refines and purifies us. We have desires and areas of our lives that Christ refines and renews. Some dreams and thoughts have to pass away as our “new” nature grows. Our stride changes as we walk with Christ!
Key to walking is focusing on your steps. For example, I was ascending a steep hill with pack while hiking. I had to place each foot step over roots, ruts, and loose soil to be able to ascend. When walking with God, we focus on His path!
Colossians 3:1-2 BSB
1Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
https://biblehub.com/bsb/colossians/3.htm
Trail Intersection, Chickasaw SP, TN
Our “new” clothing/way of walking in life:
Colossians 3: 12-17 BSB
12Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful.
16Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
In the Greek, Paul starts verse 12 with “put on.” This is the same word used for “put on” the armor of God. So Paul is giving instructions to put on “heart” 4698 splágxnon – properly, the internal organs (“viscera”); (figuratively) “gut-level compassion” (visceral feelings); the capacity to feel deep emotions (sympathy, empathy, etc.).
Keep pressing ahead in your journey with Christ! God will give you vision and purpose as He makes you into His image! There is hope even when the going is rough.
Getting into God’s stride means nothing less than oneness with Him. It takes a long time to get there, but keep at it. Don’t give up because the pain is intense right now— get on with it, and before long you will find that you have a new vision and a new purpose.
https://utmost.org/getting-into-god%e2%80%99s-stride/
Words of Grace & Hope 