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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Sanctification (02/19/26)
Abraham may not have fully understood what it would entail to leave his country, his relatives, and his father’s home and go to a foreign land― a divine instruction tied to the promise of a great name, a great blessing, and a great nation. At seventy-five years of age, he set out towards Canaan, taking along his relatives and a multitude of people from “his father’s household.” (Genesis 12:1-5)

This act of obedience would set Abraham apart from the world he had known and draw him closer to God. It would define his existence and characterize his relationship with the divine creator in a daily ongoing process known today among Christians as sanctification.


This brings us to the first level of sanctification: our relationships. The people in our lives are important to God, because He is a part of our lives too. We cannot grow to know a holy God when we are surrounded by ungodly influences. His word tells us, “Do not be fooled. ‘Bad companions ruin good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33, GNT)

God can prune your relationships, if necessary. Abraham’s nephew, Lot, whom he took along on his journey to Canaan was constantly a cause for concern. Even when they finally parted ways, Abraham still had to rescue Lot from the many misfortunes that plagued him. At one point, Lot’s wife disobediently looked back as the family fled a burning city and became a pillar of salt! (Genesis 19:26)

Sometimes our associations are not the best. Is there someone that might get you into trouble with the law if you keep associating with them? I understand some relationships cannot be ended so easily; in such cases, God will help you.


Now we will look at the second level of sanctification: our actions. The things we do are important to God because He wants us to glorify Him in everything we do in an attempt to save all men. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Abraham and his wife, Sarah, were advanced in age and childless when God promised they would have a son. When the promised heir was not forthcoming, he decided to father a child with his servant, Hagar, following Sarah’s advice. This decision brought many a heartache to his house as it displeased the Lord and later became a bone of contention between both women resulting in Hagar and her son being sent away. (Genesis 16; Genesis 21:1-21) The distress Abraham faced could have been avoided if he had trusted in God’s promise and waited for his wife to conceive.

We all face different challenges. What actions of yours are hurting your Christian journey? That action might not affect another believer, but it affects you. Let it go. Some habits are hard to get rid of instantly, but the Lord will help you to lay them aside over time as you focus on Jesus. (Hebrews 12:1-2)


Last but not least, the third level of sanctification: our thoughts. They are important to God because He knows them all and even judges our motives! (Proverbs 16:2)

Abraham’s wife was very beautiful, and when they lived in Gerar, he feared he would be killed because of her. The King of Gerar, Abimelech, intrigued by her beauty, sent for her thinking― by Abraham’s own confession, she was his sister. This act almost cost the king his life and brought the wrath of God on him, his wife, and all his slave girls! Sarah was indeed Abraham’s sister, but beyond that, she was also his wife and should have been introduced as such. Fortunately, the Lord had not permitted the king to touch her, and peace was restored between Abraham and Abimelech. This situation could have been avoided if Abraham had been truthful about his relationship with Sarah; interestingly enough, this was the second instance where Abraham had lied concerning his wife! (Genesis 20)

Are you letting your thoughts get in the way of your actions? Abraham’s lie brought grave consequences to rulers and their households, so your thoughts affect others as well. Let them be beautiful and honorable (Philippians 4:8)


To conclude, when we give our hearts to the Lord, we obey the call to live for Him. Our thoughts influence our actions which in turn influence our relationships. The Bible talks of an inward transformation by the renewing of the mind. (Romans 12:2) This is sanctification, and even though displacing oneself may no longer be required, like Abraham’s journey, it is rewarding and lasts for a lifetime.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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