The eighth article of our EFCA statement of faith involves, not what we believe, but rather how we live out what we believe.
 
God’s justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power. Our human nature clamors to separate the two. We want to be declared righteous but skip the painful process of becoming more Christ-like. And so we knowingly sin against God (again), disregarding His clear command, and excuse ourselves saying, “I’m forgiven!” At the Salvation Restaurant, to use Pastor Dave’s analogy, we may not place an order for justification but add, “hold the sanctification.” Be still before the Lord and ask the Holy Spirit to show you when and how you have turned away from sanctification. What lessons from trials and suffering am I missing? What pinch of conviction am I ignoring? Admit that the work He is trying to accomplish in your life is for your good. Decide that, in the hands of your wise heavenly Father, the fruit of sanctification is well worth the long and often difficult process.
 
God commands us to love Him supremely. Dave taught that the biggest competitor for our greatest love is ourselves. Our love for ourselves also keeps us from loving other people sacrificially. Ask God every morning: Help me love You supremely today. Throughout the day, ask: Moment by moment, reveal to me when I am loving myself more than You. Show me when I am putting my own needs and preferences and interests above those of others. Commit in advance to repent and correct course when He does!
 
We are to make disciples, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed. Dave said we are to live as “billboards for the Lord.” Ask the Lord to give you opportunities to speak into others’ lives and the boldness to do so, even in a culture that often labels Christian convictions hate speech. Meditate on the connection between sanctification (see above) and bearing witness. If I am not becoming increasingly Christ-like, if there is nothing distinctive about my life, why should anyone listen to my words? Pray continually to become a whole-person Christ follower – not just head (beliefs) but also heart (love), hands and feet (deeds), mouth (words).
 
 In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

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