It's easy to compare ourselves to others and think, "well I'm not doing as bad as so and so". When I find myself saying that I know that I already missed the mark and it's time to get back on track. Is sanctification only about sexual purity? I don't believe so, I believe that sanctification is about becoming more and more like Christ daily, being holy because He is holy. This is not something we can do on our own but only through God. As we seek Him first, as we seek Him more and more we will be transformed and led more by the Holy Spirit versus our desires; our thoughts will be more transformed to His so that our desires will then reflect His desires and His will. "The Greek word for "sanctify" (hagiasmos) refers to a process that is perfect in principle though not yet attained. Though we are not yet completely "holy", we stand in relation to God as though we were" (Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary). Truly sanctification is a process and the key is to make God a priority in our lives so that we can be more like Him.
I'll be transparent here, I've been dating a wonderful man now for two years and I thank God that he's a man of God so our beliefs and desire to please God are the same. Is it easy to date him and remain pure, HECK NO!! We've had our moments of weakness where we've had to put the brakes on and repent. Through those moments I know Satan would have wanted nothing more than for us to lose control of our bodies and give in to our sexual desires but that would not be honorable to God. I know that if we did not remain pure, then our relationship would not be pleasing to God and it would not be "set apart" for Him. What's more important to me is my relationship with God and as such, I can't compromise. I might love this man but I love God a lot more.
I have no idea why God led me to write on this today. He led me to a devotional in my book which dealt on sanctification so maybe He's giving me a warning about another test coming or another temptation from Satan. I know I will take this to heart and say, "Get behind me Satan". Maybe this is also for someone out there who is sought of feeling like Adam did when God called out to him "where are you". God knew where Adam was but Adam was trying to hide from God because he was feeling shame. I don't know but all I can say is that God is always there to rescue us and the enemy would want nothing more than for us to hide from God versus going to Him in repentance and running into His arms again. If you are making excuses about your sexual purity then the Holy Spirit is already working in you. What would please God more for you to compare your self to man and think, I'm not really doing so bad or for you to truly submit to His will--that you should be sanctified??? Don't give up tomorrow's joys and blessings for today's "feel good" moments.
Father God I thank you for your love, your grace and your mercy which is new every day. I thank you that you love us with an unconditional love and that even when we miss the mark, you are there ready to rescue us, ready to clean us up, ready to put us back on your righteous path. I thank you Lord for all the times you've rescued me and you've forgiven me and Lord I pray that all who read this blog would come to feel your mercy, your grace, your love and know that all they need to do is trust in you. You have a plan God and your plan is best. I pray that we can all just die to ourselves, our desires, our will and truly allow you to transform us to be all that you know we are to be. I love you my Lord and again I thank you.
http://www.myspace.com/ricardomusic/radio (search for song Rescue Me by Ricardo Sanchez)