My late summer retreat (6)

I grew up hearing the word sanctification a lot.

One definition is:

 in its verbal form, sanctify, literally means "to set apart" for special use or purpose, that is, to make holy or sacred.

Ron preached a message at Amplify about a month ago talking about this very thing.

I think we struggle with this process in the church.  We are either "set apart" and have no influence in the world around us because of lack of interaction

or

we are in the world and living just like the world so again no influence for the Kingdom of God.

Ouch!....that hurt me a little just typing it out!

I had a thought this past week after reading some different passages of  scripture...

I love the grace and mercy Jesus extended to those he came in contact with...

no judgement,  just pure,  unconditional love, 

yet everyone that had an encounter with Him walked away changed.

I know that was Jesus, but as followers of Him aren't we supposed to be becoming more like him in this journey?

He wasn't scared of hanging out with the wrong crowd, but they didn't influence Him.

He influenced them.

He was set apart for purpose!

God help us...

help me.

Help me extend grace to those in my world.

Help me to live and influence my world while being set apart.

Help the people I encounter to be changed because of You living in me.

Amen.