"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 18:3 ESV)
Are We There, Yet?
Children on car trips can be annoying. “Are we there, yet? Are we there, yet? Are we there, yet?”
But maybe they are on to something.
While it is likely that they are simply being impatient and bored, maybe they inadvertently are directing us to a better view.
Today, I am being sanctified. I know I am, because as I understand Scripture, I see that the Trinity is always sanctifying me… and will be until I get to heaven.
But sometimes I think instead that I have already been Sanctified. That in some area of my life, I have arrived where I am heading. Maybe it’s contentment: Since I am worrying less about money, I must be Sanctified in that area! Maybe it’s patience: Since I haven’t cursed under my breath when an inconsiderate driver cut me off on I-135, I must be Sanctified in that area! Maybe it’s lust: Since my eyes haven’t wandered in a long time, I must be Sanctified in that area!
But I’m not. I still need Jesus in every area of my life.
Sanctification is a process… that will end in Glorification when God will finish my transformation.
Don’t get me wrong. I should rejoice in the victories I might see in contentment, patience, or avoiding lust. But those victories are victories in battles, not the war.
I’m not there, yet.
And maybe the annoying kids in the back seat an remind me of that.