Spiritual Practices for a Sanctified Life

What lies are robbing you of intimacy with God?

Some lies are passed down generationally. Others come through friends, culture, television, social media, or simply assumptions we make about ourselves and the world around us. Over time, those lies can become deeply entrenched in our lives and keep us from experiencing the life God intends for us. That’s because lies don’t remain confined to our thoughts. They manifest themselves in our beliefs and our actions, affecting how we see God, how we see ourselves, and how we treat the people we love.

To combat this destructive pattern, Paul writes in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” In other words, we shouldn’t simply absorb whatever ideas the world presents to us. We should examine them, test them, and learn to recognize what’s true.

How do we learn to do that?

Author Gary Thomas has been with me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly before to talk about dismantling lies. It was such a popular program that I’ve invited him back.

Gary shares four lies that hinder our relationship with God and others:

1. Apathy toward the Church. Giving up relationships because they are difficult and messy inhibits us from experiencing the sanctification of living in community.

2. The need for comfort. Our aversion to adversity can stop our growth.

3. Earthly splendor. Rich spiritual life shapes our hearts toward what truly matters and helps us reject the world’s definition of success.

4. Dismantling complacent ignorance and pursuing wisdom. Cultivating wisdom is a Christian’s greatest asset.

Gary also explains how to become “rich toward God,” one of the great themes of the Christian tradition, which teaches us to shape our hearts around things that have lasting value rather than chasing entertainment, approval, or temporary success. A sanctified life isn’t about simply consuming fewer lies. It’s about filling our hearts and minds with truth. To do that we must read Scripture, pray, ask God for wisdom, and slow down long enough to examine the beliefs that shape our decisions.

Listen to my full conversation with Gary Thomas on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or on our free phone app.

Gary is the teaching pastor at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, CO. His book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live: Dismantling the Lies That Rob Your Intimacy with God, is available for a gift of any amount. For more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).