I have recently had a lot of time to reflect upon the journey I have had since I first believed in God. There is a big difference between the six-year-old who first understand salvation and where I am at now. Part of this is for sure because I have slowly grown in maturity as well as understanding different aspects of God. Thankfully that growth isn’t solely left up to me. God is over the process of my sanctification.
Philippians 2:12-13 says “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed —not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence — continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (NIV).
Trying to understand these verses more deeply, I have come to the conclusion that Paul was reminding his readers to be open to the Holy Spirit. More than anything, we have nothing expect for more pride and sinful nature, often trying to justify what we see in ourselves rather than dealing with it. I think that is perhaps why Paul is telling us to act with “fear and trembling,” not being scared but to be fully in awe of God.
When our focus is on something other than ourselves, we are able to allow God to be the center. We get to step away from what is going on and believe that God is the One who saved us and who will continue until the very end (Philippians 1:6). We stop trying to do everything we can in order to earn God’s love and saving grace. If we didn’t earn it, we can’t lose it. It’s something that allows God to be the One who gets the glory for all we do.
Sanctification is a process in which we avail ourselves to the Lord to work in our lives. It’s a journey, but it’s also specific moments where we see God’s grace best. We will never reach perfection until we reach Heaven; we will never know enough about God, always wanting more until we get to spend eternity with Him. But each moment of sanctification is where we get to see more clearly who God is and how small we are in comparison. Walk in the truth that God has chosen to walk this process with you, never leaving you where you once were. You are sanctified.
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