A number of months ago, I went on a men’s retreat, which was my first retreat in an extended time. Let me let you know, it was like taking a deep breath after being underwater for too long. Being away didn’t stop life, but for a moment, I could step away from the noise and just spend time with God and a bunch of men hungry for a similar thing. It was refreshing within the deepest sense of the word. The pace slowed down; we were present, and in that space we could hear God speak freshly.
I needed that point apart to realign my heart. It jogged my memory of who I’m called to be, and more importantly, who I represent after I step back into the chaos of on a regular basis life. I share that story since it paints an image of what consecrated means within the Bible. This isn’t nearly being a Christian, it’s about being set apart on purpose, for a purpose.
So, in the event you’re reading this immediately, I need to challenge you to dam out the distractions, open your heart, and lean in. If you may grasp what consecrated means within the Bible and also you practice it, it will shift your complete trajectory of your walk with Jesus.
What Does Consecrated Mean within the Bible?
When the Bible talks about being consecrated, it means being set apart and ready for God’s purpose. However, it isn’t just the words you say however the life you reside to accompany it. This doesn’t occur by accident. It is intentional. Anyone within the Bible who was consecrated positioned their heart, mind, and life in such a way that God could use them more effectively. The better part is that God used everyone who consecrated themselves to him.
Old Testament Instances of Consecration
“So I’ll consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and can consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. Then I’ll dwell among the many Israelites and be their God.” (Ex. 29:44-45)
In the Old Testament, consecration was an intense process. Exodus 29 outlines every little thing that needed to be done to consecrate Aaron and his sons to be prepared to function priests unto the Lord. This speaks to the center of what consecration is. A time of preparation that prepares you to serve in some fashion. In the Old Testament, the consecration for Aaron and his sons took seven days. The purpose in doing this was to determine the people and the place where God would meet with the Israelites. God was taking a spot and making it sacred and holy so his presence could dwell with them.
The process itself involved the sacrifice of animals, the shedding of blood, the baking of bread, the dressing of Aaron and his sons in priestly garments, and a sacrifice burned on the altar. What is significant to notice is that almost all of the actions taken in the method were outward and, in some ways, symbolic. This doesn’t mean their hearts weren’t engaged, but being consecrated ceremonially, the main target was primarily outward.
New Testament Perspectives on Consecration
“For them I sanctify myself, that they too could also be truly sanctified.” (Jn. 17:19)
The New Testament uses sanctify or sanctified, sometimes rather than consecrate, however the meaning is identical, which is being set apart for God’s holy use. Even though the aim of consecration doesn’t change, the main target does. While the Old Testament had many outward signs and rituals for consecration, the New Testament zeroes in on the center. This is what God was in spite of everything along anyway. Not just changing what you do but changing who you might be.
God isn’t just on the lookout for a clean outer appearance, but a surrendered heart. Those are the hearts he transforms into individuals who reflect his character. So New Testament consecration works inward, then flows outward. You consecrate your heart and every little thing else follows.
The Process and Purpose of Consecration
Ultimately, the aim of consecration or sanctification is to position yourself for God to make use of you more effectively. A consecrated person has laid aside the influences of the world to go after the things of God. This isn’t just reserved for pastors or people in ministry, but for everybody. If you need to represent Christ well on the earth, then consecrate your life to him in order that in every arena you walk into, you may influence it with the presence of Jesus. This is the center of consecration. Setting apart your life so you may be simpler for the dominion.
Consecration involves laying down your will, your desires, and even turning away from sin so that you just change into a holy vessel through which God can flow. This positions you to be simpler in serving the body of Christ and being a witness to the world.
So how do you consecrate within the 21st century?
As with many things, there may be a theoretical idea and there may be a practical reality. If you need to incorporate consecration into your life, listed below are three practical suggestions.
1. Practice Separation
One reason to consecrate is to not only make yourself available, but to listen to from God more effectively. In the noise-filled environments we regularly place ourselves in, it is simple for God’s voice to wander off. Everywhere we turn, there may be potential for distraction (noise), which hinders our ability to listen to from God. These distractions may shape the direction of our heart as they influence our emotions, our pondering, and even our decisions. To consecrate means setting aside time (intentionally) to separate from this stuff. If you don’t, then it becomes extremely difficult to commit yourself fully to God because you can’t fully concentrate on him.
2. Walk in Repentance
Any one that goes to consecrate will find yourself in a state of repentance. You cannot avoid it. This doesn’t mean you might be living some extremely sinful lifestyle. It means as you draw closer to God, aligning your character along with his, he reveals the things in you that usually are not like him. He does this because he wants to vary you to make you simpler. Consecration will reveal how short you fall, and in that posture, it results in repentance.
3. Live in Obedience
There might be no consecration without obedience. In fact, if there isn’t any commitment to obey, then there isn’t any need for consecration. You can’t have one without the opposite. This might be the toughest a part of consecration, because you might be committing to whatever God tells you to do. However, in the event you want consecration, then obedience must follow.
Scriptures and Prayer for Personal Consecration
Here are several Scripture passages that talk to being consecrated. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to supply your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—that is your true and proper worship.” (Rom. 12:1)
“Those who cleanse themselves from the latter shall be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and ready to do any good work.” (2 Tim. 2:21)
“Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I’m the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I’m the Lord, who makes you holy.” (Lev. 20:7-8)
Lord,
Today, I step away from the noise to attract closer to you. As I sit before you, search my heart and show me anything that’s unlike you and hinders your ability to make use of me. Give me strength to put those things down so I can pursue your purpose for me. Fill me with courage so I can obey you and the humility to repent whenever you reveal things that don’t reflect you. I consecrate my heart and life to you in order that my life will honor you and produce glory to your name.
I pray all this stuff within the name of Jesus.
Amen.
Conclusion: Living a Consecrated Life
As you think about consecration in your life, please recognize this isn’t a onetime moment. This is an ongoing process since the world remains to be there and your flesh will still attempt to fight against the things of God. That’s why consecration must be a part of your life continually; a day by day give up to what God wants so he can set you apart for his good use. These are those God uses essentially the most.
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