Consecration

Dinner with the Governor of the State

The Governor of the state has invited you to dinner. You start thinking about what to wear and how you will appear at the venue. Then you read on and see:

Dress Code: Native Apparel (Fabric attached to the invitation)

You are expected to show up at the dinner wearing the cloth that is attached to the invitation. Problem half solved. You pick up the phone to call your fashion designer. In a few days, your outfit is ready.

On the big day, you are all set: outfit, composure, and cash. You set out and accidentally hit someone with a plate of food. At this point, you have so many thoughts racing through your mind. You cannot go back because the Governor will think you are ungrateful, and you cannot change because the Governor specifically sent the fabric with the invitation. You are not fit to appear before the governor; your confidence level has most likely been tampered with. You are concerned about what the Governor will think of you. Clumsy? Dirty? Unintentional?

Thankfully, our God is not a man who will judge you. He isn't one to see us as less because of our blemish, so don't worry if your white is stained as a child of God. There is a solution: Jesus. He is the one that can make your attire, though red as scarlet, white. As Christians, we are on a journey to meet our God in our white apparel (soul and heart). In life, some of us are careful enough to keep our whites for a long time, while others are not. Some of us do our best, but it just seems impossible.

Salt and light, whose are you?

Deuteronomy 14:2 NLT

[2] You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.

Dearly Beloved,

In this season of “new year, new me,” it is important as walking believers to be in tune with the Spirit as we embark on new journeys and uncharted waters!

Just as an adopted child embraces the name, traditions, and culture of their new family, we, as believers, are called to adopt the life of Christ. This adoption involves embracing His journey, His teachings, and His precepts.

The word “consecration” finds its roots in the Latin stem consecrat, which means "dedicated, devoted, and sacred." Consecration is God's tool for preservation, keeping us from being defiled and from returning to the old ways of the flesh. This divine transformation begins from within—from the depths of the heart and mind—and flows outward, impacting our relationships and interactions.

As humans, we are frail and prone to weakness. Yet the Holy Spirit actively works within us, ensuring our transformation into the individuals we were created to be. This renewal demands an ongoing commitment, requiring us to let go of worldly patterns and embrace the new life offered through salvation.

There are general consecrations expected of every kingdom citizen, such as living a life of holiness and obedience to God. An example is the ten commandments and the precepts taught by the Lord in the sermon of the mount.

However, there are also specific consecrations unique to each person and season. For example, the Lord may call you to separate yourself from certain habits, people, or objects so that you can be more fully consumed by His presence.

In these moments, swift obedience is crucial. While it may be challenging at first, God's grace will sustain you. Consecration is not about our personal comfort or happiness; it is about Christ being formed in us. And though the journey may be difficult, the reward is always worth it.

There are also times when consecration occurs without our initial consent. In such instances, the Spirit works in and through us, preparing us to be set apart for God’s purposes. These moments require us to release our own will and allow the Spirit to guide us into oneness with Christ.

Paul's story in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NLT proves this point;

[7] even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. [8] Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. [9] Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. [10] That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Also, Job’s story in the entirety of the book of Job shows that the Lord searches the inner crevices of our hearts and preserves us through situations that may not be pleasant to keep us in check! It's not in the situation itself or the happenings, but your response towards it!

The ultimate goal of consecration is to align us with God’s nature and purpose. The Lord, in His goodness, desires to mold us into vessels of honor, set apart for His glory.

So in this new year, let us all be urged to accept all the renewals and transformations under the tutelage of the Spirit, while thoroughly embracing the call of consecration, allowing the Spirit to refine us with His purifying fire, as old wine cannot stay in new wineskins.

Mark 2:21-22: (NLT)

[21] “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before. [22] “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.”

May we remain steadfast, knowing that the path of consecration leads us closer to the heart of God, especially in this new year!

Love,

The Follow-up Unit.