A consecrated life, Part 1: Understanding Consecration and its importance
Key Scriptures:
Then Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves [for His purpose], for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders (miracles) among you.” - Joshua 3:5
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy - 1 Peter 1:16
Sometime in 2021, I was in my bedroom praying when I heard the Holy Spirit whisper two words to me… “consecrate yourself”. I continued in prayer and was led to Joshua 3:5 - “Then Joshua said to the people, "Consecrate yourselves [for His purpose], for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders (miracles) among you.” “What does it mean to consecrate? I found myself pondering this question for ages. I flipped through my dictionary and concordance countless times, yet struggled to grasp the full depth of this word. I couldn’t find many youtube sermons about consecration at the time, and it wasn’t a topic that I had heard preached at any church that I had been to before. I was confused, because although I could sense a strong beckoning, I just didn’t understand what The Lord was requiring of me. My prayer time began to sound like “Lord, what are you asking me to do?” and “Holy Spirit, please teach me what consecration is”. The last three years have been a journey of sitting with the Holy Spirit and seeking wisdom and understanding, so let’s get into it!
What is consecration?
A life of consecration is essential for developing intimacy and oneness with the Lord. Since He is the Most Holy One, anything or one that desires close proximity with The Lord must first be made holy, for that which is unholy cannot dwell in His presence, neither can he who is unholy become one with He who is Most Holy. Holiness isn’t preached or taught nearly as often as it should be, which is a key reason why the Body of Christ often misses out on living in true dominion and divinity. But that’s a topic for another day. The Hebrew translation for the term ‘Holy’ is ‘KADOSH’, which is defined as ‘set apart’ or ‘scared’. So if we put this into context we can say Jesus is The Most Scared one and or The Most Set Apart One. Likewise, the Hebrew translation for the term ‘consecrate’ is ‘Le-Keddesh, which shares the same root, “KADOSH” and means ‘to make holy’, ‘to sanctify’, or ‘to set apart’ for a special purpose. Consecration is the process in which we are made holy. Consecration is what sets us apart from the worldly, the unclean, the ungodly, and the common. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 depicts this perfectly - “Now in a large house there are not only vessels and objects of gold and silver, but also vessels and objects of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honourable (noble, good) use and some for dishonourable (ignoble, common). Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonourable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” Picture the fine china dishes, tucked away safely and brought out only for the most exceptional occasions. Their value makes us treat them with care, reserving them for moments of true excellence. In the same way, consecration elevates our spiritual value, transforming us from “vessels of dishonour” to “vessels of honour.” Just as fine china isn’t used casually or for everyday tasks, a lifestyle of consecration comes with specific requirements, commitments, sacrifices, and boundaries. These are essential to preserving our holiness, purity, and spiritual worth. In Joshua 3:5, Joshua instructs the people to “Sanctify yourselves.” This highlights that consecration to the Lord is an intentional choice we must each make. For those chosen, the Holy Spirit may prompt us toward consecration as part of God’s will, but ultimately, we are each responsible for responding to this call. Embracing a life of consecration requires a deliberate commitment and a willingness to rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance every step of the way.
By now, you might be asking, “How can I consecrate myself to God?” While there are general practices of consecration every believer can adopt, it’s essential to understand that the Holy Spirit may also guide each person into specific, personal acts of consecration, tailored to their unique calling. It’s not unusual for two believers to have different forms of consecration according to God’s purposes for them. With that in mind, here are some practical, biblical forms of consecration:
Fasting and Prayer – Setting aside time to fast from food or other comforts, as Jesus did in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2) or as the early church did before making significant decisions (Acts 13:2-3). Fasting and prayer removes distractions, focusing our hearts on God and seeking His guidance.
Dedication of Work or Ministry – Committing specific tasks, careers, or ministries to God. For example, Paul dedicated his life to spreading the gospel and tailored his entire lifestyle around it (Romans 1:1, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
Abstinence from Certain Activities or Pleasures – Like Daniel, who refrained from eating royal food (Daniel 1:8), a practical act of consecration might involve setting aside habits or activities that, while permissible, could distract from spiritual growth, such as excess social media, certain entertainment, or alcohol.
Daily Devotional Time – Dedicating the first part of the day to God, like David who sought God early (Psalm 63:1) or Jesus who prayed in solitude (Mark 1:35). This may involve reading Scripture, meditating, or worshipping God as an intentional, daily commitment.
Financial Giving and Sacrificial Offerings – Giving a portion of income or possessions as a form of worship and trust in God. The early believers sold their belongings to support each other (Acts 2:44-45), and the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44) exemplified consecration through sacrificial giving.
Purity and Abstinence – Vowing to remain sexually pure, as Paul encouraged the church to do (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4), or adopting certain dress standards as a reminder of one’s set-apart status.
Living a Set-Apart Lifestyle in Speech and Conduct – Practising gentleness, honesty, and humility as forms of consecration. James reminds us to guard our speech (James 1:26), and Paul teaches us to live above reproach (1 Timothy 4:12), setting us apart in both speech and action.
Each of these acts reflects a commitment to be distinct, honouring God with our decisions and lifestyle.
In pursuing a life of consecration, we are choosing to set ourselves apart for God’s purpose, inviting deeper intimacy and oneness with Him. It’s a journey that requires intention, sacrifice, and reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance. By embracing the call to be “vessels of honour,” we prepare our lives for His wonders and are positioned to experience the fullness of His presence.
Lord, draw me closer to You. Help me to live a life set apart, honouring You in all I do. Guide me daily by Your Spirit, that I may grow in holiness and intimacy with You. Amen.
Xo
