How Do We Grow in Grace Together as a Family? (Sanctification)

We grow in grace together as a family by letting the Holy Spirit shape us day by day: right in the middle of ordinary life: so we look a little more like Jesus over time.

Hey there, Boundless family! Let’s be real for a second, parenting often feels less like a "holy walk" and more like a chaotic sprint through a LEGO-strewn hallway. Between the school runs, the endless laundry, and trying to remember if today is "crazy sock day," finding the space to grow spiritually can feel like a tall order. But here is the beautiful truth: God isn't waiting for your life to be perfectly organized before He starts making you more like Him. In fact, He uses the very "mess" of our daily lives to do His most profound work.

Today, we’re diving into a core pillar of our faith: Sanctification. According to the Assemblies of God 16 Fundamental Truths (specifically Truth #9), sanctification is an act of separation from that which is evil, and of dedication unto God. It’s not just a fancy theological word; it’s the process of God’s grace making us more like Jesus every single day. Let’s explore how we grow in grace together as a family.

Scripture

"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it." , 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NIV)

Reflection

Sanctification is a bit of a "both/and" journey. On one hand, the moment we trust in Jesus, we are "set apart" for Him. We are seen as holy because of what Christ has done. On the other hand, there is a daily process where the Holy Spirit works in our hearts to help our actions match our identity. Think of it like a house: the moment you buy it, it’s yours (that’s justification). But the process of painting the walls, fixing the leaks, and making it a home? That’s sanctification.

For us as parents, this is incredibly grounding. It means that our growth isn't about trying harder to be "perfect parents" by our own strength. It’s about yielding to the Holy Spirit. When we lose our temper and then go to our kids to ask for forgiveness, that is sanctification in action. We are separating ourselves from the "old way" of pride and dedicating ourselves to the "new way" of humility. You can learn more about how this fits into our broader community beliefs by checking out our post on what it means to belong.

The Assemblies of God teaches that this process is realized by recognizing our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. We reckon ourselves dead to sin but alive to God! This isn't just a solo mission, either. We grow in grace through the fellowship of the church and by engaging with God’s Word daily. It’s a lifestyle of receiving grace and then letting that grace overflow into how we pack lunchboxes and handle bedtime tantrums.

Action

This week, pick one "daily routine" that usually feels stressful, maybe it’s the morning rush or the dinner cleanup. Before you start that task, take thirty seconds to pray: "Lord, I dedicate this moment to You. Help me reflect Your grace even in this." By consciously dedicating the "ordinary" to God, you are practicing the act of sanctification. You are setting that time apart for His glory.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God of peace who sanctifies us. We are so grateful that You don't leave us where You found us. Holy Spirit, work in our hearts today. Help us to pull away from the things that don't look like Jesus and lean into the things that do. Protect our family, keep us blameless in Your sight, and remind us that You are faithful to finish the work You started in us. Amen.

Family Question

"If Jesus were to spend the whole day hanging out with our family, what is one thing He might do differently than we usually do? How can we try to do it His way today?"

---

1) Parent & Kid Bible Study: The "Set Apart" Cup

Goal: To help children understand that "sanctified" means being used for a special, God-given purpose.

Read Together: 2 Timothy 2:21 , "Those who make themselves clean from sewage will be like special dishes. They will be dedicated to the Lord, useful to the owner of the house, and ready for every good work." (International Children’s Bible)

The Activity: 1. Find two cups in your kitchen. One should be a regular plastic cup, and the other should be something "special" (like a fancy mug or a holiday cup). 2. Talk about how the regular cup is used for everything, water, juice, maybe even holding pens. 3. But the "special" cup is set apart for something specific. 4. The Lesson: Explain that God says we are like that special cup. When we follow Him, He "sets us apart" from the messy things of the world (like being mean or lying) so we can be used for His special work (like showing love and kindness).

Discussion: Ask your child, "What are some ways we can keep our hearts 'clean' so God can use us for His special work today?"

---

2) Kids Story: Leo’s Special Lantern

Once upon a time, in the village of Brightwood, there lived a small boy named Leo. Every child in Brightwood was given a lantern, but Leo’s lantern was special. It wasn't meant to just sit on a shelf; it was meant to be carried to the Dark Forest to help people find their way home.

One day, Leo’s friends were using their lanterns to play "Mud Ball." They were getting their lanterns covered in sticky, brown goo. "Come on, Leo!" they shouted. "Use your lantern to hit the mud!"

Leo looked at his lantern. He remembered what the Great King had told him: "This light is set apart for the path." If the glass got covered in mud, the light wouldn't shine through when someone was lost.

"I can't," Leo said bravely. "My lantern is for the path."

His friends laughed a little, but Leo stayed back. He spent the afternoon polishing the glass until it sparkled. That night, a thick fog rolled in. A traveler came stumbling toward the village, unable to see his feet. Leo stepped out onto his porch, and his polished lantern shone so bright it cut right through the fog like a golden sword. The traveler smiled and found his way safely home.

Leo realized that being "set apart" didn't mean he couldn't have fun; it just meant he was keeping himself ready for the most important job of all, sharing the King’s light.

---

3) The Lantern in the Woods: Chapter 1

The woods behind the Miller house weren't like other woods. To ten-year-old Sam, they felt like they were waiting for something. Sam clutched the old, brass compass his grandfather had given him. "Remember, Sam," his grandfather’s voice echoed in his head, "a compass only works if you stay true to the North. If you let it get near a magnet, it loses its way."

Sam was starting fifth grade tomorrow, and he felt like he was walking into a forest without a map. His friends at school were starting to act differently, using words that felt sharp and heavy, and laughing at things that made Sam’s stomach feel tight. He wanted to fit in, but he also remembered the "North" his parents talked about at dinner every night.

As he walked deeper into the trees, he saw a glimmer of light near the old creek. It wasn't the sun reflecting off water. It was steady, warm, and pulsating. He stepped closer, his heart thumping against his ribs. There, tucked inside a hollow log, sat a small, glowing stone. It didn't look like any rock he’d ever seen. It looked... clean. In a forest of dirt and decay, this stone was pure light.

Sam reached out to touch it, and a warmth spread up his arm. Suddenly, the sharp words of his friends didn't seem so important. He felt a strange sense of being "picked." Not because he was the best, but because he was willing to look. "Okay, God," Sam whispered. "I don't know what fifth grade looks like, but I want to stay like this stone. Help me stay clean."

---

4) Tips for Raising Christian Children: Modeling Growth

Raising kids who understand sanctification starts with us modeling it. Here are three quick tips to help your kids see God’s grace in action:

1. Normalize Apologizing: When you mess up (and we all do!), apologize to your kids. Say, "I am sorry I was impatient. That wasn't how God wants me to treat you. Will you forgive me?" This shows them that sanctification is a process of turning back to God’s way.

2. Celebrate "Different" Choices: When your child chooses kindness over retaliation, or honesty over a "convenient" lie, celebrate it! Tell them, "I see God working in you. You chose His way, and that’s what it means to be set apart."

3. Use the Word "Dedicate": Use this word in your daily vocabulary. "Let’s dedicate this meal to God," or "Let’s dedicate this car ride to being kind to each other." It builds the habit of setting things apart for Him. For more ideas on managing family time, check out our top 5 team building ideas.

---

5) Hands-On Faith: The "Pure Light" Suncatcher

The Concept: Just as a suncatcher needs to be clean to let the light through, we want our lives to be "clean" through sanctification so God’s light shines through us.

Supplies: - A clear plastic lid (from a yogurt container or similar) - Clear school glue - Food coloring or small pieces of colored tissue paper - A hole punch and string

Instructions: 1. Fill the bottom of the lid with a thin layer of clear glue. 2. Drop small dots of food coloring into the glue and swirl them with a toothpick (or place tissue paper pieces). 3. Let it dry completely (this may take 24–48 hours). 4. Once dry, peel the glue disc out of the lid. 5. Punch a hole at the top, add a string, and hang it in a sunny window.

Spiritual Connection Script: "See how the light shines through the colors? When we let the Holy Spirit 'sanctify' us: which means cleaning out the grumpy or selfish parts: God’s light can shine through our lives just like the sun through this suncatcher!" If you're looking for more ways to engage your kids, you might enjoy reading about common mistakes in kids' Bible time and how to fix them.

We are so glad to be on this journey of growth with you. Remember, you don't have to be perfect; you just have to be willing. God is faithful, and He is doing a great work in your family!

Boundless Online Church An outreach ministry of First Assembly Memphis www.boundlessonlinechurch.org www.famemphis.org

© 2026 First Assembly Memphis. All rights reserved. Do not reuse, copy or distribute without First Assembly Memphis written permission.