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Sanctification. It's what someone said he most appreciated about his marriage. It really arrested my attention, because I don't know if I've ever heard anyone say that (at least not in a positive tone before) & I keep mulling over it.
Since I'm older and have been single almost 16 years longer than "my plan" for my life ;) , it's easy to get comfortable in my own rhythms and I don't always notice all my really-not-so-endearing idiosyncrasies / habits that need to be sanctified. I do set aside time now and then to reflect on what I need to work on (the fruits of the spirit in Galatians and Proverbs 31 is so helpful for this) and I'm blessed to have wonderful family and core group of friends who speak boldly into my life and have the courage to point out blind spots I need to work on, but I think being in a romantic relationship really takes things to another level of iron sharpening iron.
In the last year, I finally fell in love for the very first time. It was exhilarating, dizzying ...and (to be honest) a little scary to be known in such an emotionally intimate way. And definitely sanctifying. I learned things about myself I wouldn't have learned any other way. Weaknesses I thought I'd dealt long ago with came painfully to light and it was hard, but the good kind of hard. Like that time I climbed Mt. Whitney - so grueling, but the picturesque beauty at the summit was worth it.
So, I'm thinking ahead and imagining how sanctification in marriage might be and I want to be able to say, just as that man did - how much I appreciate the sanctifying aspect of marriage. I pray that I will be humble and teachable enough to receive truth from my future husband about areas I need to grow in. And I pray that we would both whet each other's appetites for and spur each other on towards spiritual growth and maturity. Because, for the Christ-follower, that's what life is about: glorifying Him and becoming more and more conformed to His image.
Added note: this is not to say singles have to settle for less sanctification in that season, but just that it might take more proactivity on their part in seeking out the wisdom of others & inviting them to speak into their lives. :)
