What? Sanctification and beer foam?

My dad would not call himself a theologian. However, he owned and shared a theological and philosophical revelation he would repeat from time to time. A renowned beer drinker among his devoted, bonded and endearing friends, he expressed to me long before the first whisper from God led me to attend seminary, “Beer foam floats.”

My dad is right on two levels. First, beer foam does float! Second, and this presents itself on a far better and broader scale, my dad speaks to sanctification. Sanctification is a three-dollar seminary word which means to be set apart for holy use. This may help for anyone unfamiliar with the term. Objects are sanctified when used for the purpose God intends.

And would you like to hear (or be reminded of) something exciting? We human beings are sanctified when we live according to God’s design and purpose.

What does this have to do with beer? Good question! Scripture speaks to the abuse of alcohol consumption in both the Old and New Testaments. Throughout the Judeo-Christian faith, some have not—and specifically do not—tolerate any alcohol. Others do enjoy a glass or two of wine. Here I draw attention to the wedding at Cana where Jesus turns water to wine. No objection on the wedding drink in this celebration is noted in this text.

When we look into sin and how we fall into it, here is an important reminder from Romans 3:23. Here Paul shares that we all fall short of the glory of God (emphasis mine).

I mention beer because when it’s poured into a glass, foam does rise gradually. This brings me to my point. In sanctification, we, too, take time to rise. By no means is being set apart for holy use anything that happens over the weekend, or even noticeably rises in a year for most people. Rather, sanctification is a process. Specifically, it is a lifelong process. This process is not daunting. This is not overwhelming. Far from something as troublesome as dropping pounds before the high school reunion this summer, sanctification can be compared to the experience of a refiner’s fire (Zechariah 13:9, 1 Peter 1:7, Isaiah 48:10, Malachi 3:1-18). This refining—and redefining—actually feels good because sanctification isn’t just healing, cathartic, and enlightening down the road. It’s in each moment. It’s in the now.

Sanctification is the cooperative work of God and Christians (Philippians 2:12–13). This relationship brings about a continual transformation for us into greater Christlikeness. This maturing happens twofold: in the steadfast, faithful companionship of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5: 16– 23) and in ongoing study of the Word of God (John 17: 17).

In his blog post “6 things every Christian should know about sanctification,” Coleman Ford offers this humbling yet obtainable truth: sanctification is not about perfection but persistence. He says, “Fighting sin is a lifelong endeavor. The believer cooperates with the Holy Spirit working in them, their works being an expression of gratitude for their salvation. Sanctification, therefore, begins at the moment of conversion.”

As we consider the lectionary passage from this past Pentecost Sunday which is (pun intended) housed in Acts 2, we read about and reflect upon the Holy Spirit roaring in and among the people gathered in—you guessed it—the house, the place of worship. Drunkenness is mentioned in this text, yet here’s what is significant: the people then, just as it is for us today, experienced truly amazing, soul-inspiring transformations. These transformations didn’t just happen anywhere, such as the beach, the party, or the class reunion; they happened (and still happen) at the hub of it all, the church.

Ford shares more on the universality of what it means to be set apart for holy use. “We are unique human beings who have been affected by the fall in unique ways.” He adds, “Though we all suffer from the same disease, our symptoms are often different. We all have need of the Great Physician, but his remedies are as unique as the ones whom he created. Though sanctification is deeply personal, we must remember that the Alpha and Omega of sanctification is Christ himself.”

Christ himself is at the heart of this sanctification transformation because Christ himself knows our hearts. To him, our hearts are awesome. As for us? Well, we know our hearts are capable of such good love, such active, compassionate and inclusive action for the wellness not for some but all. Equally, our hearts can be dinged, damaged and downright rotten. Our renewal coupled with the realization that Christ is within us is never a one-time deal. Our being set apart for holy use is ongoing.

This may now help some realize why New Year’s Eve resolutions don’t appeal to the Christian. This Spirit upon us and in us is not “turning over a new leaf” or some humanistic approach to a better self. Instead, sanctification is that necessary step, discovery, and even reward each day.

Not to sound lofty or self-righteous (and this can happen), but those who desire to be set apart by God find this process—this journey—humbling, honest and revealing. Those who realize the joy of life is not found in self interest but in service to others know the reality that we get in the way of the process and the progress. Turning this love for others first to our love for God? Well, now that’s something that floats.