To some, the idea of sanctification is complicated and steeped in religious rhetoric. However, the Biblical idea is very simple. “Sanctification” as a New Testament term has its roots in the word for “holy,” a word that is founded upon the Old Testament ideas of religious purification. To be sanctified is to be set apart for God’s use, as the items of the sanctuary under the Law of Moses. For families today, I wonder what would happen if we applied this principle to our families? How can we, as Hannah did in 1 Samuel 1, give our children to the Lord? Consider a few points:
1. Sanctify the table. It would seem an easy proposition to use mealtime as an occasion to sanctify the family. However, in our modern society it is becoming increasingly difficult. One study found that for dinner meals only 42% of very satisfied couples have 7 dinner meals together. In contrast, only 17% of the dissatisfied have 7 dinner meals a week. The average family only has 5% breakfast, 3% lunch and 36% dinner 7 days a week together. Thus, out of a seven-day week, families only spend 2-3 days around a table together. The intrusions of technology, as well as the fast-paced demands of work, education and recreation eat into our time, and we often allow them to steal away our time together. What an opportunity we miss! In Deuteronomy 6:7, God admonishes the parents in Israel: And thou shalt teach them [God’s laws] diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. The “sitting in thine house” indicates the everyday actions of the home, including sitting down to eat. Surely we can focus on sitting together at home more, and use this time to sanctify our families.
2. Sanctify the mind. We have all heard it said: “We are what we eat.” Mentally and spiritually, it is certainly true that we become what we consume. Proverbs 23:7 points out of the evil man: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” It is for this reason that Paul admonished the Philippians to “think on” those things that were “true…honest…just…pure…lovely…of good report” (Philippians 4:8). How much evil content do we allow to enter into our minds and the minds of our children? The world is constantly challenging us to lower the threshold for what is acceptable to consume in movies, television programs and music. How much of what we consume fits the qualifications mentioned above from Philippians 4:8? If we are what we think about, then our minds need to be sanctified to God and filled with the knowledge of Him (cf. Romans 15:14; Colossians 1:9)! In today’s increasingly godless society, we desperately need to sanctify our families! May we dedicate regular time to cultivating purity and godliness, and may we separate our minds from the negative influences around us.