How do you walk in freedom? How do we stop sinning? Why can't I be more Christlike? Why can't I seem to break this addiction?

Most Christians have asked these questions at some point in their lives. I know I have.

I once heard a Bible professor explain that, in Christ, we are both freed and being freed at the same time. At first, that sounded confusing, but it's actually a beautiful picture of the Christian life.

The first part is salvation. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we are forgiven, set free from the penalty of sin, and saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). This is a gift that cannot be earned.

The second part is called sanctification. Sanctification is the lifelong process of becoming more like Christ. From the moment we surrender our lives to Him, God begins transforming us into His likeness so we can reflect His character to the world (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18).

As believers, we are continually being molded into His image while also carrying out the Great Commission by making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19–20).

Unfortunately, many churches stop at helping people become saved and assume the work is finished. Salvation is the beginning of the journey, not the end.

Jesus didn't simply command us to make converts; He commanded us to make disciples. People need to be taught God's Word, His ways, and how to follow Christ in everyday life. As they grow in their relationship with Him, they develop a firm foundation that equips them to become effective witnesses and fulfill the calling God has placed on their lives.

Take forgiveness, for example. Many people have never been taught what biblical forgiveness actually looks like or how to practice it. The same is true of the fruit of the Spirit:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." — Galatians 5:22–23

One fruit many believers struggle with is self-control.

Many of us were never taught healthy ways to regulate our emotions or renew our minds. Yet Scripture continually points us in that direction. Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. As we learn our identity in Christ, replace lies with God's truth, and allow the Holy Spirit to shape our thinking, our actions begin to change as well.

This transformation also involves understanding how God created us, recognizing unhealthy thought patterns, learning to respond rather than react, being quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19), and allowing the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit within us.

I love the Church in the West, but I sometimes wonder if we've become too comfortable. We often define abundance by material possessions or an easy life.

Yet Jesus offers something much greater.

Biblical abundance isn't primarily about wealth or comfort. It is about living with deep joy in knowing Christ, walking in obedience to Him, experiencing genuine Christian community, loving others well, serving generously with our time and resources, and participating in God's work on earth.

The Christian life isn't about trying harder to become like Jesus.

It's about surrendering more deeply to the One who is already transforming us.

Sanctification is a process. Some days we'll take two steps forward and one step back. But if we continue abiding in Christ, He is faithful to complete the good work He began in us (Philippians 1:6).

So if you've been asking, "Why can't I seem to change?" don't lose heart.

Keep pursuing Jesus.

He's not finished with you yet.

References

The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1973)

If you include in-text citations for Scripture in APA style, they would look like:

(Eph. 2:8–9, New International Version, 2011)

(Rom. 8:29, New International Version, 2011)

(Matt. 28:19–20, New International Version, 2011)

(Gal. 5:22–23, New International Version, 2011)

(James 1:19, New International Version, 2011)

(Phil. 1:6, New International Version, 2011)