Side-tracked in Sanctification

I attended a class last night at my church and during our reflection time this phrase came to me. Of course, I thought...Cool! Great title for my next post! :) so here goes:

First, let's clarify the term 'sanctification'. When we accept Jesus Christ (the Son) as our personal Lord and Savior, we become justified before holy, almighty God (the Father) in that instant. Sanctification is the process of continual spiritual growth, fostered by God, through the Holy Spirit. [It's so amazing how the three persons of the God-Head (i.e. The Trinity) are evident in this!]  Simply stated...sanctification is the "spiritual journey" we continue on in our lives post-salvation.

Have you ever gotten lost driving? I know I do...a LOT. Those that know me can attest to the fact that I'm directionally challenged! Just as we may make a wrong turn driving, we may make choices that negatively redirect our spiritual route. Of course, as good Christians THAT never happens. Getting "side-tracked in sanctification" happens more than we would care to admit. But it happens and it happens to us all. Thankfully, there is GRACE for the side-tracked (even the off-tracked). God never gives up on us and we shouldn't give up on ourselves.

Sometimes we may feel so side-tracked we're not sure where God's path is any more. The easiest remedy to find God's path is to find God. It really is simple, but we tend to make it more complicated. Fortunately, He's not hard to find. So where IS God found?

First, God is found in the Bible...His Word. Have you gotten out of the habit of reading the Bible? Get back in it. Pick it up and read it. Daily. Diligently.  It doesn't have to be extensive but it does need to be purposeful. For example, start with the book of John, read a chapter a day, or even a paragraph of verses. Begin in 1:1 and read some every day. Another option is to read a chapter of Proverbs a day.  As Proverbs has 31 chapters, reading a chapter a day easily corresponds to each day of the month.

Secondly, God can be found in the midst of His believers. If you've gotten away from the regular attendance and fellowship of a Bible-believing (and preaching!) church, find one in your area and start back. Take a friend or neighbor so you'll have a buddy. Do not forsake the fellowship of the body of Christ and it's impact on our sanctification. The beautiful thing about God's grace is that no matter how little or far we may have been side-tracked, we can always get back ON track.

Finally, God can be found 24/7 by prayer. Prayer is simply talking to God. He is never too busy to listen and He earnestly desires to hear from us. More than that, He desires to speak to us through His Word, His church and through the Holy Spirit that resides in every born-again believer.

You now have some tools, a road map if you will, to return to your path of personal sanctification. Do not be discouraged when you get side-tracked again...we all do. Our journey is rarely easy. Many obstacles will be set up to prevent our progress by the enemy. Remember, Christ has triumphed! Dear Jesus, please give us the strength to walk in a manner worthy of Your calling. Here's to JOY in your journey, my friends!