When I was in elementary school, I participated in three state spelling bees. I remember many long hours and late nights studying the intimidating booklet of practice words given to competitors. My mom helped me prepare, painstakingly quizzing me on each word and marking ones that needed polishing up. All the time and effort we put in trained my brain for the competition.
Training is the hard work we choose to participate in to achieve our goals. We train for many things: jobs, athletic contests, intellectual competitions, even artistic pursuits like painting, singing, or acting. We intentionally discipline our bodies and minds as we work toward our aim. Dallas Willard said, “A discipline is something you do in your power so you will be made able to do something not within your power.”
In training, we set our hearts to growth. We commit to a course of action. We remove distractions. Think of a classroom, a gym, or a studio—these settings are designed to maximize potential and centralize focus. They are ideal environments for training.
Sanctification involves spiritual training; it is a work of God in which we choose to participate (Phil. 2:12). Make no mistake, sanctification is not the result of “works”. Our responsibility is a response to God’s ability—he does the hard work! But like other forms of training, sanctification occurs best in an environment conducive to growth.
How do we create a setting for spiritual growth? What does it look like to nurture an environment in which we can add to our faith the qualities in our key verse? What can we do in our power to keep from being ineffective and unproductive as Christians? There are a few key elements to consider, the first and foremost being intimacy with Jesus.
As followers of Jesus, we need to be seeking him above all else—everything in our lives depends on it! Be intentional about carving out space in your day to be in his presence. Whether it’s in the morning, afternoon, or evening, commit to daily time with Jesus.
Another important factor in spiritual growth is fellowship. Fellowship includes things like being part of a church body, participating in small groups, and receiving prayer. Through fellowship we experience the support, encouragement, and accountability necessary for our sanctification. If you aren’t attending a small group, consider joining one.
Bible study and worship are also essential elements to our walk with Christ. When we study the Word we learn the truth about God, ourselves, and what Jesus offers us. Then, as we worship, we affirm those truths by expressing them back to God through song. Try incorporating worship music into the rest of your week—you can stream it online at work or listen to it while driving. Experiment with different Bible study methods, or try a one-year plan for reading through the Bible, cover to cover.
A final aspect of sanctification is serving. Serving can unlock our healing and transformation process as we give away to others what God has poured into us. Imagine a pitcher of water: unless it is poured out, the water inside can’t quench your thirst and the pitcher can’t be refilled with fresh water. Over time, the water would become stagnant and undrinkable. Find somewhere to serve within our church that best utilizes your natural gifts and abilities, so that your life might be poured out into others.
As we engage in spiritual training, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. We must remember that races are run one step at a time, wars fought one battle at a time, lives lived one day at a time. Victory can seem unreachable if we measure it solely by the end goal. Celebrate the small choices you’re making today to add to your faith. And remember that we are “more than conquerors” through him who loves us! (Rom. 8:37)
Reflection Questions
- Which of the elements of sanctification—intimacy with Jesus, fellowship, Bible study, worship, or serving—do you feel strongest in? Weakest? Ask God, “How can I take one step forward in these areas today?”
- Read Galatians 5:22–25, and try praying this prayer: “Holy Spirit, show me which of these fruits of the Spirit I lack. Guide me toward one small choice I can make today to begin to foster this quality in my life. Help me keep in step with you! Amen.”