What Sanctification Looks Like

Most people talk about "self-discipline" like it's one setting: on or off.

And a lot of Christians talk about "sanctification" the same way—like it's basically just, "Stop doing the bad stuff."

That's part of it… but it's not the whole journey.

Sanctification in Scripture isn't only about denying what's ungodly—it's also about learning to live differently:

"denying ungodliness… we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world…"
— Titus 2:11–12

Here's a more useful way to think about growth: 4 levels of self-discipline (and yeah—this maps cleanly to what sanctification looks like in real life).

1) Abstain from what's sinful

This is the first, most obvious step: you see what God calls sin, and you stop excusing it. Not perfect overnight—but the direction changes. Repentance becomes real.

Scripture doesn't treat that as "optional beginner stuff." It straight-up says:

"this is the will of God, even your sanctification… abstain"
— 1 Thessalonians 4:3

(See also: Romans 6:12^[1])

2) Eliminate what's harmful

Some things aren't "sin" on paper… but they slowly wreck you.
Habits that dull your mind, strain your relationships, keep you reactive, tired, anxious, distracted, numb.

Mature discipline doesn't ask, "Is this technically allowed?"
It asks, "Is this making me more like Christ—or less?"

Paul gives a category that nukes loophole-living:

"all things… are not expedient… I will not be brought under the power of any"
— 1 Corinthians 6:12

(See also: Hebrews 12:1^[2]; Ephesians 5:15–16^[3])

3) Practice what's beneficial

This is where many people finally build a real baseline:

• You eat better and move your body.
• You sleep like your life depends on it (because it does).
• You read Scripture, pray, and actually show up with God.
• You go public with your faith instead of keeping it as a private hobby.

This isn't "extra credit."
This is normal Christian adulthood.

Because Scripture doesn't only warn you away from sin—it tells you to train:

"exercise thyself rather unto godliness"
— 1 Timothy 4:7–8

(See also: Acts 2:42^[4]; James 1:22^[5]; Hebrews 10:25^[6])

4) Pursue what's optimal

This is where things get fun—and serious. You stop doing random and start doing intentional.

• You don't just "eat healthier," you learn what your body needs.
• You don't just "work out," you train with a plan.
• You don't just read the Bible, you study—context, cross-reference, deeper tools.
• You don't just pray, you fast, worship privately, meditate on Scripture.
• You don't just "believe," your faith becomes the organizing center of your calendar, money, relationships, and decisions.
• You give generously. You serve regularly. You surround yourself with wise people.
• You chase growth—not for ego, but because you're stewarding a life that belongs to God.

It's the "1% better" life—but with Jesus at the center, not self-improvement as the god.

That's why Paul prays for believers to grow into wise discernment and excellence:

"that ye may approve things that are excellent"
— Philippians 1:9–10

(See also: Hebrews 5:14^[7]; 2 Peter 1:5–8^[8]; Philippians 3:12–14^[9])

Here's the point:

If your definition of sanctification is only Step 1, you'll stay stuck in spiritual childhood—always fighting sin, but never building strength.

Sanctification isn't just abstaining from what's wrong.
It's also pursuing what's best—because maturity doesn't just avoid darkness…

…it learns how to walk in the light.
(See also: Ephesians 5:8^[10]; 1 John 1:7^[11])