The Call to Consecration
In our busy world full of distraction and temptation, the Lord extends an invitation to live a life set apart for Him. Consecration is more than just a religious ideal, but an invitation to a life of marked by devotion to God. This special journey makes our faith stronger and helps us face life’s challenges with God’s help.
Consecration begins with the decision to turn away from a life focused on our own desires and achievements. Instead, we are called to embrace a life of purity and purpose, empowered by our unwavering faith in God. As the Psalmist reminds us, “If the Lord does not build the house, the builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Our efforts must be empowered by God’s grace and a heart of love for Him.
The Call to Consecration
Our stories of being drawn to consecrate ourselves to the Lord vary. It can come from a desire to reflect God’s purity and righteousness in our lives. Our passion for God’s purpose may drive us to live from a higher standard, knowing that we are uniquely equipped to make a difference for His kingdom. Our love for God compels us to honor Him in all we do, showing our gratitude for His immense love and sacrifice. Or, it may be that our gratitude for what the Lord has done for us compels us to draw nearer.
Gifts of a Consecrated Life
Living a consecrated life brings many gifts. It gives us spiritual strength to perservere. As we set ourselves apart for God, our relationship with Him deepens, resulting in greater intimacy and understanding of His heart and will. A life dedicated to God brings inner peace and joy, rooted in the assurance of His love and faithfulness. Consecration also tenderizes our hearts to the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit and shapes our lives to become a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness and power.
Building a Strong Relationship with God
At the heart of consecration is a deep, personal relationship with God. This relationship grows through regular communication with Him, mainly through prayer. Prayer is not just a ritual; it is our lifeline to God, allowing us to share our struggles, seek His guidance, and draw closer to Him. As we immerse ourselves in prayer, our desire to know Him more intimately grows, and He reveals Himself to us more clearly.
Living for the Lord
Surrendering to God’s will involves offering ourselves as living sacrifices, allowing Him to transform us and reveal His perfect will through us. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 8:14, encourages us to live a life led by the Spirit of God, making us children of God. When we dedicate our lives to serving the Lord, we build lives of deep connection with our Creator.
Conclusion: Answering the Call
The journey of consecration is a lifelong adventure of surrender and devotion, trusting the Lord’s ways above our own. As we embrace this sacred call, we find strength, purpose, and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us respond to His invitation today, growing in being set apart for His glory.
Going Deeper: Consecration the Lord
If you’d like to go deeper, take time to reflect on your own journey of consecration. Find a quiet place where you can be alone with God and consider the following:
- Dedicate Time to Prayer: Spend at least 10 minutes in prayer, thanking God for His grace and asking Him to reveal areas in your life that need to be set apart for Him.
- Scripture Meditation: Read and meditate on Romans 12:1-2. Write down what it means to you personally to be a living sacrifice and how you can apply this in your daily life.
- Journaling: Reflect on times when you’ve felt closest to God. What were you doing? How can you incorporate more of these activities into your routine?
- Worship: Choose a worship song that speaks to your heart about dedication and play it. Sing along, letting the words deepen your commitment to the Lord.
- Surrender: Write a prayer of surrender, asking God to help you fully consecrate your life to Him. Keep this prayer where you can see it daily as a reminder of your commitment.
As you engage in these activities, invite the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen you. May this time of reflection draw you closer to God and empower you to live a life set apart for His glory.