“I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” —John 17:19
John 17:19 has often been a source of motivation and challenge to me as I’ve wrestled with issues of surrender and obedience. When I’m tempted to secretly indulge my flesh or yield to self-centered emotions, the example of Christ helps me think about the influence my lifestyle has on those around me.
The truth is that other believers are affected by our choices. And to a significant degree, the lost world determines its view of God based on the lives of those who profess to know Him. I wonder how many people have been dissuaded from believing in Christ because of something they’ve experienced from those of us who bear His name.
Why must you be willing to say no to your flesh and yes to God? Because of the price Jesus paid to make you holy. Because the world desperately needs to see what God is like. Because your consecrated life may inspire someone who’s watching you to turn from sin, look to Christ, and choose the pathway of holiness.
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The Quiet Place: Daily Devotional Readings ©2012 Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible ®. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible ® and CSB ® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Make it Personal
Have you considered how your choice to cling to sin or to live a holy, set apart life affects your family, your friends, your legacy?