Leaky buckets

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.  –1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (ESV)
 
If I belong to Jesus, why am I still such a mess? If God calls me holy, why is holiness still such a struggle? If the goal is Christ-likeness, how come God doesn’t just flip a switch and launch me into immediate harmony with the mind of Christ? I caught a John Piper video this week that made me think.
 
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  –2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV)
 
When I came to Christ, I was justified in God’s sight – saved by faith, forgiven of my sin, clothed in Christ, qualified to stand blameless before God – not by my righteousness, but riding on the shoulders of my Lord. That began the process of being sanctified.
 
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.  –2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
 
Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit within me, given as a gift from Jesus, as He teaches and transforms my heart, mind and soul to reflect the glory of God in my life. Already declared holy, I am now in training to become holy. Without justification, I would have neither the ability nor the desire to participate in my sanctification.
 
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.  –Matthew 6:34 (ESV)
 
The fact that sanctification is an incremental process means a couple things. First, it reminds me that I need God. He is pleased to keep filling up my bucket, but my bucket leaks. This world beats me up. I get tired, I get discouraged, I get lazy. I have to stay close – John, in his gospel, called it abiding.
 
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  –Lamentations 3:21-23 (ESV)
 
Second, it brings glory to God. Rather than be tempted to pride, which could easily happen if I woke up one day and was immediately a mini-Jesus, I am humbled by the process and thankful for the progress. Changes in my life are observable by myself and others, and suggest a path that is both possible and worthwhile. In this, He is honored.
 
But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.  –Hebrews 3:13 (ESV)
 
Sanctification, however far down that path I get before leaving this life, is preparing me for glorification, when the King will return and make all things new. On that day temptation, sin and death will be no more. Those in Christ, once declared holy, will finally be holy. Lord, come quickly!