Have you ever tried to shoot a moving target? If you’re a hunter, you know what I’m talking about. It takes skill, determination, and experience to successfully take down a moving deer, rabbit, or coyote. Likewise, in the Christian life, there are certain targets we need to shoot for. We are aiming for nothing less than a holy, consecrated life. What does a consecrated life look like? What targets are we aiming for?
Here are 6 marks of a consecrated life.
Forsaking sin
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
To live a consecrated life, we must learn to hate sin. When the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, we need to confess it and forsake (turn away from) it immediately. Why is this so serious? “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Psalm 66:18) We cannot fellowship with God if we are tolerating sin in our hearts and lives.
Rejecting the world and its lusts
“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” Titus 2:12
To live a consecrated life, we need to be different than the world. Consecrated means “dedicated to a sacred purpose” according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. For a Christian, consecrated means “dedicated to God’s service.”
However, we cannot chase the world and serve God at the same time. Our faith should make a difference in the TV shows we watch, the books we read, the music we listen to, the clothes we wear, and the friends we spend time with. If you’re not pursuing holiness in these areas, you’ll soon find yourself slipping into worldly ideas and values. And it’s a slippery slope, friends.
Eagerly obeying God’s Word
“But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:28
To live a consecrated life, we need to eagerly obey God’s Word. In the Bible, “hear” meant not only understanding what God said, but also obeying it. If you are a born again Christian, the Holy Spirit will help you understand God’s Word. For example, He may show you that you need to forgive someone who’s hurt you. Or He might remind you to tithe 10% of your income. When you hear God’s Word, you are accountable to obey it. And God will richly bless you for doing so!
Cheerfully serving others
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.” John 13:14
To live a consecrated life, we must serve others. Although Jesus could have told His disciples to wash HIS feet, He stooped down and gently washed their dirty feet. He reached out His hand to heal grimy beggars and bless sticky children. He was not concerned with His own happiness. Instead, He served others lovingly and gladly. How can you follow His example by serving someone today?
Forgetting ourselves
“Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.” 1 Corinthians 10:24
One of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life is forgetting about yourself. Naturally, we tend to think of ourselves first. What would make us happy? What would be best for us?
However, God calls us to a radically different attitude. He wants us to ask, What would our spouse like best? What would make my sister/brother/friend/neighbor happy? What do they need?
When we shift our perspective from serving self to serving others, we will find incredible joy in ordinary life. It is satisfying to serve others. It’s rewarding to feel the smile of God when you’ve served with the right heart. Don’t miss out on the joy of serving others! At the local church’s prison ministry, we love to serve one another.
Seeking God
“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;” Psalm 63:1
To live a consecrated life, we need to seek God. Without Him, we simply cannot live the Christian life. We can’t forsake sin or reject worldly lusts in our own strength. We don’t have the power to obey God’s Word and serve people who don’t care. And we certainly aren’t good at forgetting ourselves and putting others first.
However, when we seek God, we will discover more than just the strength to do all of the above. We’ll discover the incredible, life-changing love of God. We’ll taste and see that the Lord is good, and that He is more than enough to satisfy our souls. We’ll gaze on His glory in the Scriptures. And we’ll rise up from our devotions with the strength to live for Him today.
What About You?
Are you aiming to live a consecrated life? If so, which of these targets do you need to focus on right now? Let us know in the comments! And join us at the local church’s prison ministry for encouragement and teaching from God’s Word.
________________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!
For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
