What Canoeing Can Teach Us About Sanctification
Each year I load up a group of Equip Residents from Lakeshore Church, and we go on a canoe trip down the Okatoma River outside of Hattiesburg, MS. The trip is for fellowship, fun, and adventure for sure, but more than that, it provides a unique opportunity to equip residents that is both formative and lasting. Having done these for years, I am always amazed at how many former residents remember our leadership lessons on the Equip Resident Canoe Trip. As you look for ways to disciple and develop leaders, never underestimate how creation and adventure are some of the best environments for learning and retention.
5 Things Canoeing Can Teach Us About Sanctification:
Sanctification is part of the Christian journey.
Canoeing is a journey. Whether you are on a lake or river, you begin a journey once you launch your canoe. Sanctification, like canoeing, is a journey. It is the Biblical doctrine where you are progressively becoming like Jesus, being conformed to Christ's image. Little by little, over time, from conversion until Jesus comes back, or you die; you are in the journey of sanctification, becoming sanctified, becoming holy. Sanctification is a journey, beginning with justification and continuing throughout life. Justification is the starting point of the line representing one's Christian life; sanctification is the line itself. The Bible gives us a clear picture of sanctification in these verses:
Sanctification is God's will
'...For this is God's will, your sanctification.." (1 Thessalonians 4:1–4)
Sanctification has a purpose- to make you like Christ
"For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." (Romans 8:29, CSB)
Sanctification is a journey of transformation
"We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, CSB)
Some things are necessary for sanctification.
Canoes, paddles, directions, and lifejackets are necessary for canoeing. Without the essentials for canoeing, you will be unable to make progress, could get lost, and even lose your life. Sanctification is the doctrine where God is sanctifying us, making us holy and conforming us to Christ's image. Just as canoeing has essentials, so does sanctification. The Word of God, the Spirit of God, and the community of God are our essentials for sanctification and progress in our Christian journey.
There are times when sanctification will be defining and delightful.
Canoeing often offers times of slow, easy currents, where you can slow down, listen, see, and reflect. These can be times of worship where we are in awe of the beauty of God's creation and power. Sanctification is like this. There are seasons filled with joy, intimacy, and awe in our walk with God. Don't take these times for granted. Stop, and soak in God's goodness and grace towards you, be in awe of who He is, and what He has done.
There are times when sanctification will involve discipline and difficulty.
Canoeing can also be terrifying and challenging, where rapids, trees, and the unknown make progress slow, difficult, and sometimes painful. Don't get bitter or angry at the circumstances God uses for your sanctification, be sensitive and submissive to the work of God in your life. There is no circumstance outside the sovereignty of God, and He is using your current circumstance for your good and His glory.
Sanctification is most rewarding when we are not alone, and we invite others into the experience.
Canoeing is an adventure and experience; that is best when you are with others. There are always stories to tell, laughs to share, and encouragement to give in the journey. Canoeing with a community of friends is what makes it memorable. Our journey of sanctification was never meant to be alone or in isolation. The New Testament has over 100 references to "one-anothering." The majority of those references are in the context of Christian community, the church. The journey of sanctification was never meant to be alone, but with the community of God's people.
