May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5: 23-24
Men, I think we would all agree we’d like to have a spirit, soul, and body that is blameless in front of God! But while most of us agree that this is what we want, we routinely chose an inferior path. Here’s my dilemma – I want to snap my fingers and magically be transformed into a good and Godly man. If you’re honest, you probably share that same sentiment. Well, unfortunately, that’s not the way it works. Your journey to becoming spiritually whole is a long and grueling road. Sanctification or the act of becoming more like Jesus is a process.
1 Thessalonians 5 reminds us that we don’t pick God; He picks us! I believe if you are reading this, God has a special plan and call on your life. You have been picked! No matter where you are in your faith, mature or not, God is calling. All of us are on a journey. In and throughout this journey, we may wonder if God really exists and if Jesus is really worth following. In His faithfulness, God is patient and continues His persistent call on each of us.
Verse 24 says, “He who calls you is faithful.” It’s hard to wrap my mind around the idea of perfect faithfulness but God is always faithful. It doesn’t say I am faithful or you are faithful! Personally, I have failed to be faithful many times in my life. I may not always be loyal, steadfast, and constant but the Lord is.
He is not only faithful but described as the God of peace! As I ponder this I believe He is building toward the next statement – “May our whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.” He is perfecting us, molding us, building us, constructing us so we can spend eternity with Him!
The last phrase says “And He will do it!” That’s not maybe, that is a will! Simply, it’s going to be done. God is dependable! He’s reliable. God chose you and is in the process of cleaning you up both inside and out. Remember, God did not send His Son to earth to die for perfect people. He sent Jesus to die for sinners, the broken, the ones that wonder and question; the ones prone to doubt. This God of Peace (Jesus) is calling you into a relationship then declaring that you are blameless before God the Father.
If you’re wondering, like I do – how can I confirm that I’ve been chosen? Well, good news! You have been. The work has begun! Receive it. I thank the Lord he chose me in my broken state before I was ready!
Stephen L. Thomas, RTM