The manifestation of this character has been the basis of God's program to reach the world. It is this likeness of Christ in the saints that makes holiness beautiful. Worldlings can see that Persons who bear his name are different. There is a graciousness about their lifestyle, a humility of servanthood that finds expression in deeds of love. Precept and example blend together in authentic witness.
Obedience is joyful.
Even amid sufferings, when ridiculed and oppressed, the bitterness of the world does not keep the saints from praising God from whom all blessings flow. The print of His character is upon them. That is what sanctification is all about. This is no outward show of good works, least of all some kind of legalistic code of religious behavior. Nor can it be equated with any manifestation of a particular spiritual gift.