Consecration “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man or woman, who is totally dedicated to Him.”
What is Consecration?
The word first and foremost means to “be set apart.” It is the act of separating from a common to a sacred use, or of devoting and dedicating a person or thing to the service and worship of God. The Hebrew words kadosh and Greek hagiazo are translated by several different English words: holy, consecrate, hallow, sanctify, dedicate.
In the Old Testament God is said to be kadosh or “holy.” The Hebrew word originally meant “to be separate.” The Holy One of Israel is separate because He is God. “I am God, and not man; the Holy One in your midst” ( Hosea 11:9 ). Hosea pointed to both the otherness or separateness of God and His nearness. The holiness of God came to mean all that God is.
To the prophets, God’s holiness included justice, righteousness, and many ethical concerns. “God who is Holy shall be sanctified in righteousness” (Isaiah 5:16 ). When people or things were “consecrated,” they were separated to or belonged to God. “Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2 ). “Ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” (Exodus 19:6 ). When people were “consecrated,” they were set apart to live according to God’s demands and in His service.
In the New Testament, this understanding of God’s holiness is found on every page. In Matthew 23:16-24 Jesus criticized the scribes and Pharisees on the basis of their neglect of justice, mercy, and faith. He said it is “the altar that makes the gift holy” (Matthew 23:19 ). The cause to which people give themselves determines the nature of the sacrifice. When the cause is God’s, the gift is consecrated. Jesus’ mission was to sanctify people. Paul said that Christians are called to be “saints,” and their sanctification comes through Christ.
The word therefore insists that the one consecrated must be completely devoted, unconditionally surrendered, one hundred percent committed to following the Lord and not his or her own self-interest. In the words of John the Baptist, the set apart must decrease and the Lord must increase. One must empty himself/herself through acts of humility and make space for God to be not only Savior, but Lord in every aspect of one’s life. It is a recognition that one does not belong to him or herself anymore. Mind, body, soul and spirit now must submit to a new master.
How one uses his/her time, money and talents must project an understanding that what he has is first of all a blessing from above. Obedience must be unreserved. There can be no holding back, no playing church, no half measures and no reservations. One can no longer serve two masters – but is expected to be sold out to one as a bond servant.
Both 1 John 2:15-16 & 2 Corinthians 6:17 say, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them.” What that means is that our lives should be totally surrendered to the Lord in complete devotion and love.
For His use and to His service only!
Walter Bright 
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wow. what a good post
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hey Joe, thank you very much for these kind words. I am glad it is a blessing to you!
see you on your blog…
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it was I am going to start following you
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I always follow back… Stay blessed!
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Reblogged this on ConquerorShots and commented:
“One must empty himself/herself through acts of humility and make space for God to be not only Savior, but Lord in every aspect of one’s life. It is a recognition that one does not belong to him or herself anymore. Mind, body, soul and spirit now must submit to a new master.” I pray that this quote will manifest the desire to read this post entirely. Consecration is an experience WORTH realizing. This is why we sing, “I Surrender All.” Thank you Lord!
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Blessings,
This is a great post brother, point well made. Brought encouragement to my heart, I want to be the best I can possibly be for my God. Many blessings to you and yours.
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All true! Yet thanks be to God who by the power of a Spirit-led, new life, enables us to be “in the world, but not of it”…
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yes indeed… that is where and to whom the praise is actually due…
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Amen! I reblogged your post just now.
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hey Sheryl… thanks a million – I am honored!
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You’re welcome, Walter! I love your insights. You’re an inspiration to me.
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oh thank you so very much… You just made my day. Thank you for that. Sometimes I wonder if I am making any difference. Thank you – I am blessed!
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Reblogged this on Delight Thyself in the LORD and commented:
I like Walter Bright’s take on consecration and holiness.
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that is a double portion for me… stay blessed!
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I am in the middle of writing my next “Wanderings” mini-Devotional email – all about the day-in day-out lives so many live that just seem to float along. Never truly living out what God has planned in the “here and now” moments. So many missed opportunities. His big plan gets done. No doubt. But how much better lives would be if lives fully for Him as you so wonderfully described here. I should have had you write this devotional. 🙂
Blessings my friend,
Heather
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hey Heather, it is always great to hear from you… thanks for the comment and kind words. I pray that all is “still” going well with your family.
stay blessed – I look for to reading the mini devotional.
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