Instant Sanctification

We love things that are fast and easy.  It’s hard to imagine a life without a microwave, instant oatmeal, ramen noodles, or minute rice.  Crock pots are being replaced by instant pots.  Fast food restaurants are the staple of many Americans and they make billions.  When I’m in Malawi it is not uncommon to wait over an hour for a restaurant to prepare a meal.  They would not stay in business a week in America.  We do not like to wait in line to check out, movies to stream, or even hair to dry.  We expect it our way right away or we go somewhere else.

Our instant lifestyles are killing us spiritually.  Sanctification is the process of God molding us to be like him.  It is a process that takes the rest of our life.  It is a process that requires discipline and a crockpot and yet we keep looking for something prepackaged we can throw in the instant pot.  My challenge for you in 2020 is for you to put in the work and be consistent. It is time for us to step up and be the godly people God wants from us.  We do good being sidetracked with the busyness of the world and failing the eternal.

I want to challenge you and provide some opportunities for true spiritual growth in 2020.  Read the Bible through this year.  I am using a chronological plan in the Bible App and instead of just reading it I am following along as it reads it to me.  I am picking up new things this way.  It has been rewarding so far.  Come and pray with me on Sunday mornings at 8:30 in my office.  It’s horribly inconvenient yet the absolute best way we as a church can prepare for Life Groups and worship.  Another challenge I give you is to join me for the Experiencing God Bible study.  It is 12 weeks long and requires diligent study throughout the week.  25 years ago, churches did this church-wide during Sunday School.  It started many revivals within those churches.  Our instant culture has rejected such an intense way to study God’s Word.  Sanctification is not instant.  But you will be amazed at what God will do in your life when you put in the hard work and time.