ICS Daily Devotions
A Consecrated and Sanctified Work
A consecrated and sanctified life is very important in our Christian walk. The Bible says, “You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God” Leviticus 20:7. Consecration means that you set yourself apart from evil, turn to the Lord, and are prepared to be used by God. A sanctified life is a lifelong process, setting ourselves apart daily unto God by living a lifestyle of holiness in both our private and public lives. We are new creations in Christ, and we are able to be victorious over temptation with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit daily.
Daniel in the Old Testament lived a consecrated and sanctified life. During his life in the palace, his enemies found him faultless except for his allegiance to God!
Daniel 6:4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him.
In our work life, are we like Daniel? Will our colleagues/competition be able to dig out dirt on us, destroy our reputation or discredit us in any way? For example, do we participate in unclean/suggestive conversations with the opposite sex in the office? Or do we take kick-backs/under-table offers when we negotiate deals? Or do we violate ethics by taking clients from previous company to our new one? Or do we use intellectual properties for our advantage without paying for the license (covetousness and act of idolatry)? Or what are we allowing/advocating in the media/arts/communications industry if the client wants suggestive advertising? These are just some examples that test how we choose to live a consecrated and sanctified life in the workplace. Are we able to stand up for our Godly principles and values in our workplace?
Dr J Robert Clinton in his book “The Making of a leader” stated 5-character development in our inner life growth when we are promoted and will face in our workplace:
1) Values (determines conviction)
2) Temptation (tests conviction)
3) Persecution (tests steadfastness)
4) Loyalty (tests allegiance)
5) Restitution (tests honesty)
If we truly have a consecrated and sanctified life, then we will be able to grow and develop these 5 in our inner life when we are tested in our workplace. The Holy Spirit will prompt us to do things we should or shouldn’t do.
People need to see Christ in us in our workplace and the lifestyle that we lead through our consecrated and sanctified life. As Daniels of today, we must advocate the right values and principles. God has placed us there for a purpose and that is to lead by example and to make a difference.
Sermon Series: The Daniels of Today
