How can we apply the principle of consecration in our daily lives today? Set Apart: Understanding Consecration Consecration means being set apart exclusively for God’s purposes. In Scripture it is never a vague feeling but a concrete, public act that changes how the consecrated object—or person—is used from that moment on. The Old Testament Picture (Exodus 30:27) “the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and its utensils, the altar of incense” • Furniture that was once ordinary became “most holy” (v. 29) the instant it was anointed. • Nothing could be swapped in for common tasks; every piece now existed solely for worship. • This physical act prefigures the believer’s spiritual calling: set apart, no longer available for casual or sinful use. New Testament Echoes • Romans 12:1 — “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” • 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” • 2 Timothy 2:21 — “a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.” These passages confirm that consecration remains God’s expectation for every believer. What Consecration Looks Like Today 1. Whole-life ownership transfer • “You are not your own… Therefore glorify God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) • I acknowledge God’s permanent claim on my time, money, abilities, and relationships. 2. Exclusive use • Just as the altar of incense never hosted common fire, my mind and mouth refuse gossip, impurity, or cynicism. • Entertainment, speech, and thought life are filtered: “whatever is pure… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). 3. Continual cleansing • Daily repentance keeps the vessel clean (1 John 1:9). • Habit audits: What habits pull me back toward common use? Remove them. Daily Practices of Consecration • Morning surrender: verbally yield the day’s schedule to the Lord. • Scripture saturation: let God’s Word “sanctify” you (John 17:17). • Purposeful planning: block time for kingdom priorities before lesser tasks fill the calendar. • Stewardship choices: budget, diet, and screen time reflect set-apart values. • Service posture: seek at least one tangible act of blessing each day—consecrated vessels serve. Keeping the Oil Fresh • Fellowship fuels consecration—Heb 10:24-25 urges gathering to “spur one another on.” • Communion and gratitude guard against drift; recall the price of redemption regularly. • Watch for subtle compromise; small cracks let impurity in. Consecration and Community When every believer lives set apart: • The church shines like the lampstand of Exodus 30—bright, unmixed, inviting. • Spiritual gifts operate freely; consecrated utensils never compete, they complement. • Unbelievers witness holy love in action and are drawn to the Savior. Closing Reflection God still takes everyday material—our bodies, calendars, and talents—and anoints them for holy service. Like the table, lampstand, and altar, we become instruments through which His presence is displayed. Consecration is not an optional extra; it is the believer’s normal state. Let’s live today—and every day—under the fragrant oil of His ownership. |
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