What steps can we take today to "consecrate yourselves" as in 1 Chronicles 15:8? The call to consecrate in David’s day “Then David said to them, ‘You are the heads of the families of the Levites. Consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers, so you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it.’” (1 Chronicles 15:12) The Levites prepared inwardly before they moved the Ark outwardly. The pattern still stands: inward cleansing precedes outward service. Principles that carry forward • God commands separation from sin (Leviticus 20:26; 1 Peter 1:15-16). • Consecration is both decisive (Romans 12:1) and ongoing (2 Corinthians 7:1). • Holiness is pursued through obedience empowered by grace (Titus 2:11-14). Practical steps for consecration today 1. Examine and confess • “Let us draw near…having our hearts sprinkled clean…” (Hebrews 10:22) • Daily invite the Spirit to expose hidden sins (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Renounce and remove • Put away whatever defiles—media, habits, relationships, attitudes (James 1:21). 3. Wash with the Word • “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) • Schedule unhurried Scripture intake; meditate, memorize, apply (Psalm 1:2-3). 4. Present your whole self • “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1) • Surrender plans, goals, possessions—nothing held back. 5. Walk in obedience • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Obey immediately in both obvious commands and quiet promptings. 6. Stay filled with the Spirit • “Be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18) • Yield moment-by-moment; rely on His power, not self-effort. 7. Cultivate reverent worship • Prepare for corporate gathering as the Levites prepared for the Ark (Psalm 24:3-4). • Guard the Lord’s Day, arrive expectant, participate wholeheartedly. 8. Serve where He assigns • Like Levites shouldered the Ark, carry the responsibilities God entrusts (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Serve with purity of motive—His glory, not ours. Maintaining a life set apart • Review heart condition often—sin unchecked hardens quickly (Hebrews 3:13). • Surround yourself with believers who pursue holiness (Proverbs 27:17). • Celebrate grace—consecration is possible because “the blood of Jesus…cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) |
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