Sanctification: Living By the Gospel
I was on the campus of my alma mater a while ago. I was informed by one of my students that a significant "something" was going on in the midst of what is called Spiritual Emphasis Week, and quite frankly, I wanted to see it. As I sat in my seat in the auditorium and watched the morning pass with moving testimonies and tear-filled eyes announcing new commitments, I couldn't help but remember similar times when I sat through chapels like this. And as I walked away I found myself wishing that I could talk with each one of them to make sure that what has been started gets finished.
I make no claims to have some keen understanding on the issues with which students deal. However, I can say that I am noticing a common thread of misunderstanding in the lives of students especially those of a covenant or Christian background. And it has to do with their understanding of the goal and means of living the Christian life. Stated simply, they don't understand the very nature of what the Christian life looks like. And therefore I find that they rarely have the spiritual resources either (a) to move into the world with confidence or (b) to withstand the temptations which they will face when they get there.
Recently, I have had many of these issues made plain to me with the use of a certain illustration given to me by my fellow campus ministers who have noticed the same things coming from their own covenant children with which they deal. And the illustration touches at the heart of what it means to live the Christian life. How do I do it? Where do I get the power to withstand sin? What is the goal of my striving?
Download this article to read more about living out the Gospel in all of life.