ROOTED - Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Ephesians 4:24
 24  …and to clothe yourself with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Reflection: Question #30, Part 3 (a truth)
Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro
Question: What is sanctification?
Answer: Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace through which we are renewed in our entire person after the image of God, and we are enabled to die to sin and live righteously.
In my office are many Legos. There are more at home… mostly more “toys.” Most of the ones in my office are for “display,” and are not designed with children in mind or playability. They are designed to be for display. They do not have “play features” and are less durable. If you hold some of them the wrong way, they will break. The Lego toys, on the other hand, are designed to be played with. I am NOT arguing that my collection is “for adults.” I am all too happy to admit that I am, in this respect, very much a kid (at least at heart).  Ok… back to the point: the sets in my office are selected by me to be in my office. I like them the most. They are my prized possessions. I am proud of them. I have set them apart from the others. They are special.
The word “sanctify” means “to be set apart.” You and I have been bought with a price (the blood of Christ) and he has set us apart for his purposes. He has set us apart from the world and sin, to be a holy people. Sanctification, in this sense, is the process by which I learn to be like Jesus, putting sin to the side and committing myself to not be like the world. I want to be a clean vessel for the Potter’s use. Please know, my brothers and sisters, that God has you as a prized possession. He has a plan for you. He has set you apart for his use. Don’t become sullied with sin making yourself less useful for God’s use. Be sanctified. Be holy and grow in righteousness! 

Prayer
Lord, make us holy even as you are holy. Set us apart from the world and sin, and use us for your purposes today.