You've met my friend Ron, a neighbor who became part of our new church. Ron tended to overeat and to drink at dangerous levels, and that made him overweight. He also had strong sexual urges. Ron was in a "midlife crisis." The sins of his youth were catching up with him. All of his massive intelligence, natural talent, and years of hard work were beginning to seem meaningless.

Then there were some practical issues. Ron was divorced, and he was filled with regret about it. He was single and alone. Ask anybody—loneliness is a desert.

But sanctification would change all that, right? Well, not instantly. Even after reclaiming his faith, Ron struggled with his aching miseries.

A lot of people think, "OK, I'll go to church, and the music will pump me up. The sermon will recharge me." So they go to church for three Sundays, read a few Bible passages, say a prayer, and then wonder, "Well, how come my life hasn't changed?"

Sanctification happens when Jesus takes hold of you. He starts it. Then he keeps working on you, gradually, as you catch on and begin to press on, side by side with him. It's not just the result of a few quick spurts of effort; it takes a lifetime of following his lead. Sanctification involves walking with Christ, dying to your old ways, and coming to full life in him. There is nothing quick and easy about it.