Consecrate

<<set apart>>

Objects or people can be dedicated, sanctified or set apart for the service or worship of God (2 Chr 29:5). God has chosen to save us by the sanctifying (cleansing) of the Holy Spirit, but we have the responsibility to ensure it becomes a reality (Lev 20:7; 2 Thes 2:13). The Bible tells believers to be a holy people, separate from the world (2 Cor 6:17). We are exhorted to “present ourselves as a living sacrifice to God”, on the altar of sacrifice and in that way we will honour God and bring Him glory (Rom 12:1). As a new creation we are to walk as He walked, dedicated to the Father’s will – this is spiritual worship and a ‘reasonable’ (appropriate) response for what He did on our behalf (2 Cor 5:17; 1 Pet 2:5; 1 Jn 2:6).

As our old nature is not acceptable to Him, the only solution is its death, figuratively accomplished by water baptism where a person acknowledges they are dying to the old life and rising in newness of life in Christ (Rom 6:4). We can then consecrate or offer up our new life in Christ for Him to use as

If a person cleanses themselves, they will be useful to the Master – 2 Timothy 2:21

He considers best. Jesus, because of His great love for His Father and fallen lost humanity, surrendered Himself to the Will of God (Mt 26:39). Jesus challenges us to take up our cross and follow Him, allowing our life to be spent for the gospel’s sake (Jn 12:25,26; Lk 9:23-25). In view of what God has done for us, the ‘new man’ can make the only logical response by a continual daily commitment, that as ‘we are not our own’ it is His prerogative how He uses us (1 Cor 6:19,20). Following Christ requires total commitment – not being distracted by other things or picking and choosing when or what we will do, but consistently being obedient.

God declares, “Those who honour me, I will honour” (1 Sam 2:30). He will give back much more than we can give Him. The challenge is to give ourselves (all that we are and hope to be) which is of comparatively little worth, to receive that which is of infinite worth – His Spirit filling and flowing out in life giving power to bless others (Jn 7:37,38; Act 3:6). May this be our testimony, “It is no longer I who lives but Christ lives in me’’ (Gal 2:20). We determine by our choice if we are set apart for His use (Jas 4:8). The responsibility is ours.