Is God's Will My Will?                               [return to devotional list]

"For this is the will of God, your sanctification ... for God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness"

(1 The. 4:3,7)

Sanctification is not a question of whether God is willing to sanctify me. The question ought to be "is it my will?" Am I willing to let God do in me everything that has been provided  for in the atonement of Christ on the Cross? Am I willing to let Jesus crucify my human nature and its lusts.

Many would ask, "What does God want me to do?" or "Where does God want me to be?" The priority of God's will in my life is not how or where I can serve Him. God first wants holiness for me. God wants me first - to live in holiness before I can preach holiness. He wants to consecrate me that I may know how to possess my body and how to control my thoughts. Paul said, "I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1Cor.9:27).

Beware of saying, "Oh, I long to be sanctified." Let's be honest. Sanctification is not easy and can be quite unpleasant. Recognize there are rewards with sanctification such as sensitivity to the Spirit and improved joy and effectiveness in your life.

But recognize that it is your calling. Call on Jesus in your personal devotion. Ask Him to identify trouble areas. Call on Jesus in your moment of temptation. Ask Him to empower you. Recognize your need, but stop longing and make it a matter of action.

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