Boundless Daily: Growing More Like Jesus Every Day

Have you ever looked at your life and wondered if you’re actually making progress? Maybe you’ve been following Jesus for a week, or maybe it’s been twenty years, but you still find yourself losing your temper at the same things or struggling with the same old habits.

If you’ve felt that way, you aren’t alone. The good news is that there is a specific word for what you’re going through, and it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the Christian journey. In the Assemblies of God, we call it Sanctification. That’s a big, theological term, but essentially, it just means "becoming more like Jesus every day."

It’s AG Fundamental Truth #9, and it’s what we’re diving into today. Whether you’re reading this on a break during a night shift, sitting in a quiet room as a caregiver, or scrolling through your phone in a place where it isn't always safe to talk about your faith, this is for you.

What Exactly Is Sanctification?

Let’s break it down simply. Sanctification is an act of separation. It’s about pulling away from the things that hurt us and others: what the Bible calls "evil": and dedicating ourselves to God.

Think of it like a professional athlete. They "sanctify" themselves for their sport. They separate themselves from junk food and late nights so they can be fully dedicated to their goal. In the same way, as followers of Jesus, we start to step away from the things of the world so we can be fully available for what God wants to do through us.

But here’s the cool part: it’s not just about what you stop doing. It’s mostly about who you are becoming.

The "Right Now" and the "Not Yet"

One of the most confusing things about growing in faith is that it happens in two ways at once.

First, there is the instant side. The moment you put your trust in Jesus, God sees you as holy. Because of what Jesus did on the cross, you are "set apart" for Him immediately. You don't have to earn that. It’s a gift.

Second, there is the progressive side. This is the daily walk. It’s the "growing up" phase of our faith. Even though God sees us as holy through Jesus, our daily habits, thoughts, and reactions are still catching up to that reality.

Think of it like being adopted into a new family. The moment the papers are signed, you are 100% a member of that family. That’s the instant part. But learning the family traditions, picking up the family’s way of speaking, and building deep relationships with your new siblings: that takes time. That’s the progressive part.

It’s a Power Thing, Not a Willpower Thing

A lot of people get stuck here because they think sanctification is about trying harder. They make a list of rules and try to white-knuckle their way into being a "good Christian."

But let’s be real: willpower only gets you so far. If you're exhausted after a long shift or dealing with chronic pain, your willpower is probably running on empty.

The Bible tells us in Romans 12:1-2 that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. This isn't something we do by ourselves. We do it by identifying with Jesus. We recognize that when He died, our old, selfish nature died with Him. When He rose again, He gave us a brand-new life.

Our job is to "reckon" ourselves dead to sin and alive to God. In plain English? We agree with God. We say, "Lord, I can't be like Jesus on my own today, but I know Your Spirit lives in me. I’m handing the steering wheel over to You."

Growing Where You Are Planted

We know that many of you in our Boundless Online Church community are in unique situations. You might not be able to make it to a physical church building on Sunday mornings. You might be working while the rest of the world sleeps, or you might be in a situation where you have to keep your faith private for your own safety.

The beauty of sanctification is that it doesn't require a cathedral. It happens in the quiet moments of your day.

• It happens when you choose to pray for a difficult coworker instead of gossiping about them.

• It happens when you choose to trust God with your finances even when the numbers don't seem to add up.

• It happens when you spend five minutes reading a Psalm before you start a long day of caregiving.

Sanctification is global. It’s for every person, in every time zone, in every circumstance. It is the work of the Holy Spirit in your heart, transforming you into a reflection of Jesus right where you are.

The Holy Spirit: Our Helper

We can't talk about becoming like Jesus without talking about the Holy Spirit. In the Assemblies of God, we believe the Spirit is essential for this process. He is the one who points out areas where we need to grow, and He is the one who gives us the strength to actually change.

If you feel like you’ve hit a wall in your spiritual growth, don’t get discouraged. Instead, ask the Holy Spirit for help. It can be a simple prayer: "Holy Spirit, help me see things the way You see them today. Give me Your strength to love people the way Jesus does."

This is a lifelong journey. You aren't going to be perfect tomorrow, and that’s okay. God is patient. He’s more interested in the direction you’re heading than how fast you’re moving.

A New Way to See the World

As we grow more like Jesus, our perspective starts to shift. We start to care about the things He cares about. We start to see people not as inconveniences or enemies, but as individuals loved by God.

This change in perspective is a sign that sanctification is working. It’s the "fruit of the Spirit" starting to grow in your life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

You might notice that you’re a little more patient with your kids, or a little less anxious about the future. Those aren't just personality shifts; those are markers of God’s work in you.

Taking the Next Step

Growing in faith isn't meant to be done in isolation. Even if you can’t be there in person, you are part of a global family.

If you’re wondering how to start this process of "growing up" in Jesus, here are a few simple steps:

1. Stay in the Word: Read a small portion of the Bible every day. Even just a few verses can give the Holy Spirit something to work with in your heart.

2. Keep Talking to God: Prayer doesn't have to be formal. Talk to Him throughout your day like you’d talk to a friend.

3. Find Community: Connect with others here at Boundless. Check out our Bible Study Club or join the conversation in our I'm New Q&A Welcome Center.

We are all works in progress. No matter where you are today, God isn't finished with you yet. He is committed to helping you meet Jesus and grow in faith, one day at a time.

Do you have questions about how this works? Are you struggling with a specific area of your life where you want to see more of Jesus? We would love to hear from you. We’re all in this together, learning what it means to live "set apart" for Him.

Need prayer? Text 1-901-213-7341 (message & data rates may apply). Not for emergencies.

Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.