Do we take our “consecration” seriously?
Today is the last Monday of May, Memorial Day & the day after the Day of Pentecost.
While it is true that this holiday could be celebrated in a number of ways in many cultures, for some, this day is a day off work, a day—
- Of remembrance of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice—Memorial Day.
- For other cultures, it is a day of holiday, a 2nd Pentecost, a day away from work, not of remembrance but one only of play.
So, as I approach this day, I wonder, am I honoring God, imitating Jesus, obedient to my Lord, generous of the time God has given me to live, loving Jesus my Savior above all else?
The word that permeates my mind is that of “consecration.” After a quick search of the word, this Google Dictionary definition was discovered: “The act of dedicating yourself to the service and worship of God; to make holy; to dedicate yourself to a higher purpose.”
- Dedication to Service.
- Consecrating Yourself.
- Ordained for service & worship.
- To make holy.
- Devoted to a higher purpose.
Christians are peculiar—
Believers are Different, Unusual, & Out of the Ordinary—
The Saints of God seem to the world Unfamiliar & Distinctive—
Children of God are Free to Bloom & Free to Live—
“Consecrated”—
We are to live “in” the world but Separate from the crowd as we—Live for the LORD.
God Himself gave His servant Moses this directive, so pause to read.
“And Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying,
(Exodus 19: 3-6 NASB)
“This is what you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel:
‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself.
Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;
and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you [Moses] shall speak to the sons of Israel.”
- Do we prioritize our spiritual life over our earthly life?
- Do we draw closer to God through prayer?
- Do we study with focused diligence the Word of God?
- Do we act according to the will of God?
- Do we take our “consecration” seriously?
The Bible clearly states that we are God’s peculiar possession. As such, we belong to God. As God’s, we are to obey Him: above all other people, things, situations, and circumstances. GOD’S POSSESSION!
Notice the condition God provided Moses on Mount Sinai, a condition for the sons of Israel and a condition applicable to modern-day believers.
“Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine;
(Exodus 19: 5-6a NASB)
And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ “
As believers, as Christ-followers, as Christians, we are to obey God’s command to go and to make disciples. Jesus Himself gave His disciples these marching orders in the Gospel of Matthew. Not only that, but as we “go” & “make disciples,” & as we are “teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; . . .” (to follow all that Jesus commanded), it is Jesus who promises us to be with us—forevermore!
- We truly have nothing to fear.
- We have no reason to become intimated.
- We should never fear serving the LORD.
- We should only fear—NOT WALKING IN OBEDIENCE!
So, I wondered what our “consecration” looks like in the modern age that we live because clearly, we do not live near Mount Sinai, near Egypt, nor anywhere near the children of Israel. Thankfully, God provides the answer.
God Himself gave His servant Paul these words to write (this directive) to the young man, Timothy and to modern-day children of God. Pause to read the Word of God with me.
“Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.
(1 Timothy 6: 17-19 NASB)
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,
storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”
Good works do not attain salvation because salvation can only be attained through the work of Jesus upon the cross and in the grave. God’s greatest gift: Salvation! Truly, it is what we should treasure most!
In Jesus is where each Christian place his HOPE!
- So, we do the good that we can within this world. &
- We generously give, sharing with others. &
- We remember how every packed away treasure we store must never be those of earthly value but those of our “eternal future.”
“And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?
(1 Peter 3: 13-18 NASB)
But even if you [and I] should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you [and I] are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE IN DREAD,
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect;
and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who disparage your good behavior in Christ, will be put to shame.
For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
For Christ also suffered for sins once for all time, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;”
Therefore, today, on this day off work: Do we take our “consecration” seriously?
Clearly, this is a personal matter, one that generates a set of questions to ponder.
- Have I dedicated myself to the service and worship of God?
- Do I honor God, imitate Jesus, obey my Lord, live “consecrated” with the time God has given me to live?
- Do I love Jesus my Savior above all else?
- Do I prioritize my spiritual life over my earthly life?
- Do I draw closer to God through prayer?
- Do I study with focused diligence the Word of God?
- Do I obediently act according to the will of God?
“You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the LORD your God.”
(Leviticus 20: 7 NASB)