Sanctified for Others
For their sakes I sanctify myself.
John 17:19.
There is a sense in which we, too, must sanctify ourselves for the sake of others. We live in a sin-sick world infested and infected by the microbes of evil. We live in a satanic world order, and as the physician seeks to save the patient while he fights the disease we must love the souls of men but contend with the sinful powers that beset them. Surgeons and nurses must keep fit and clean, and so must we who bear the vessels of the Lord. We must keep strong by the food of the Word, by resting in the Lord, by exercising unto godliness. If we develop points of infection they must be dealt with. Any habit or interest that lowers our resistance to evil must be abandoned. The offending eye or hand must be plucked out or cut off, for sometimes spiritual surgery is indicated. “Habits of life though harmless they seem” must be dropped if they get between the soul and the Saviour so that His blessed face is not seen.
For God’s sake, for the sake of others, for our own sakes, let us sanctify ourselves.”