"Soldier Up"

What does it really mean to be sanctified? Sadly, there are few of God's people that even know what it means to live a sanctified life, let alone know what it feels like. The word sanctified in the Greek is 'hagiazo' (hagiaso), and is from the word 'hagios' which means holy; thus, the meaning of the word for sanctified is to make holy. When spoken of a person, it means to be set apart and sent by Him for the performance of His will. Now, if you think about what this implies for the life of someone who is meant to be His workmanship, then you can only assume that we are meant to be either ambassadors or witnesses; which ever one that may be (or both), we are a soldier in His army; recruited for the service and the honor of all that is holy. So then, why would I say that there are few of God's people that know what this means for them, or do not know what it may feel like? Servitude; that is why! If you are a believer in Jesus Christ and you are not actively serving within the church, in some form or fashion, then you are not experiencing what it means to live a sanctified life. You might think that is a little harsh or judgemental? But, if you look at the example given of a marriage where one person is saved and the other is not, it says that the unbelieving spouse is sanctified by the believing spouse. The reason that this is possible is due to the fact that the unbeliever comes under a special and direct influence and benefits from divine favor in the life of the believer. However, taking this same principle and applying it to the relationship of our old nature and that of our new nature in Christ, the one who displays the most qualities of who he is, is the one who shall influence the other. The unbelieving spouse has a chance at getting saved as long as there is contact with the believing spouse, provided that the believing spouse is living a sanctified life! And if that believing spouse is not living a sanctified life, there is a chance that the unbelieving spouse will corrupt their faith in an effort to not be persuaded. When we that are called to be a soldier in the army of the Lord do not perform as a soldier should, then we are giving ground to our old nature, and even the enemies of God. I know, that seems rather cut and dry; and it should, because the whole idea of being sanctified has to do with being made holy; and just like is the case with the unbelieving spouse being sanctified by the believing spouse, the believer is not defiled by the unbeliever; which means, in the point I made above, that our new nature in Christ Jesus is not defiled by the old, as long as we soldier up... "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ Jesus depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work." (2 Timothy 2:19-21)