What role does consecration play in our daily walk with God today? Setting the scene 2 Chronicles 29:31 records King Hezekiah’s invitation after the temple cleansing: “Then Hezekiah declared, ‘Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the LORD, come forward and bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the house of the LORD.’ So the assembly brought sacrifices and thank offerings, and all whose hearts were willing brought burnt offerings.” What consecration meant then • The priests and Levites had just purified themselves and the temple (vv. 15–17). • “Consecrate” carries the idea of being set apart, devoted wholly to God’s purposes. • Only after that setting-apart could they approach God’s house with acceptable offerings. Why consecration still matters today • God’s character has not changed (Malachi 3:6). He still desires a people set apart for Himself (1 Peter 2:9). • While Christ fulfilled the sacrificial system, He calls believers to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). • Consecration is the daily decision to belong wholly to the Lord—spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Key principles for a consecrated walk • Separation unto God – Turn from known sin (2 Corinthians 6:17). – Choose holiness in thought, speech, and action (1 Peter 1:15–16). • Presentation of self – Yield every faculty to the Master’s use (Romans 6:13). – Hold time, talents, and resources at His disposal. • Drawing near in worship – “Let us draw near with a sincere heart” (Hebrews 10:22). – Private devotion fuels public witness. • Availability for service – “A vessel for honor, useful to the Master” (2 Timothy 2:21). – Respond promptly when He nudges to act or speak. Practical daily steps 1. Begin the day acknowledging Christ’s lordship. 2. Invite the Spirit to search and cleanse hidden corners (Psalm 139:23-24). 3. Intentionally set apart specific moments for Scripture and praise. 4. Write—or verbalize—a simple reaffirmation: “Lord, all I am and have is Yours today.” 5. Actively look for ways to bless others; service cements consecration. Blessings that flow from consecration • Deeper intimacy with God—He draws near to the devoted heart (James 4:8). • Clarity of purpose—less distraction, more single-minded obedience. • Spirit-empowered living—fresh strength to resist temptation (Galatians 5:16). • Fruitful witness—others notice a life distinctly marked by Christ (Philippians 2:15). Consecration: a continuing invitation Hezekiah’s call—“Now that you have consecrated yourselves… come”—echoes today. The once-for-all surrender at conversion launches a lifetime of repeated, glad submission. Each morning presents a new opportunity to step closer, offer ourselves afresh, and experience the joy reserved for those wholly His. |
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