By Tom Boynton

When I was a little boy, my mom had expensive dishes set apart for special use. They were not used for eating regular meals. They were reserved for special guests and special occasions.

In our previous study of the word “redemption,” we discovered that Christians, too, are expensive. The priceless blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ was required to purchase our pardon. Because of His love and the incredible price He paid for us, He has set us apart for a special purpose. That special purpose is to please Him in everything we do. We are to emulate His characteristics and to have our service to Him as our highest priority.

To describe the fact that we are set apart, God uses the word “sanctified.” The word “sanctified” means “set apart”, just as my Mom’s expensive dishes were set apart. However, the sanctification of Christians is a much higher calling than the sanctification of my Mom’s dishes.

In one of his letters to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul describes many types of wicked people and then says, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). Notice the word “sanctified” used here. God has set apart His blood bought people for a very high calling. Sanctification is mandatory for God’s people.

Many, today, try to use church membership, and various good works as a “fire insurance” policy. An important question, however, is “are you sanctified?” Do your business dealings, speech patterns, music preferences, and personal relationships exalt the Savior? Do you love His word, the Bible? Is serving Him your highest priority or is this done only when convenient? If you had to lie to keep your job, would you?

Do your priorities and desires give evidence that God has set apart your heart and mind to serve Him? Has God sanctified you?

Old Paths Bible Chapel meets at 107 East Calvert in Karnes City. Sunday school for all ages begins at 10 a.m. Family Bible Hour begins at 11:15 a.m. Please call 830-780-4440 or 830-865-3065 for more information.