What does the Bible say about consecration? Plenty. 1 Chronicles 29:5 KJV says, “The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the Lord?” Romans 12:1 KJV makes it plain, “I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Proverbs 23:26 KJV says, “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” St. Mark 12:30 KJV says, “And thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” You get the picture.
Consecration doesn’t come cheaply. Sacrifice is involved. Consecration means being 100% committed to God, 99 and a half won’t do. That means we can’t be a sometime Christian. Just showing up on Sunday morning and serving on a couple of committees probably doesn’t impress God. It’s a start, but much more is required. How are you living Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday? The saying is trite, but actions really do speak loudly than words. You profess to love God, but how is it manifested 24/7 in your life? There are examples of consecration that should inspire us to try harder.
Genesis 4:4 KJV says, “And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering.” Abel didn’t hold back, he gave fully to the Lord. Exodus 13:2 KJV says, “Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man of beast: it is mine.” The key word is all. Genesis 22:9-11 KJV, offers more. “And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham; and he said, Here am I.”
Consecration is a challenge. I don’t know about you, but I struggle daily. It’s not easy to walk the Christian walk when temptation is around every corner, and distractions wear you out. But it’s time out for excuses. God calls us to be better, to be our best. How can we say no to the one who made the ultimate sacrifice?
Submitted By Deaconess Sheryl Nance-Nash