ICS Daily Devotions
Living a Consecrated Life

Living a consecrated life is one which is set apart for the Lord in holiness just as the Lord is holy. It covers every aspect of our life; in the area of a life partner, managing our wealth, assets, our gifts, and our careers. It is a life that we choose to live for God and this lifestyle causes us to always seek the Lord for His will and direction for our lives. Our priorities should be the Lord’s will first, then family interest, personal health, position in the company and remuneration, in this particular order.

It can be challenging for our flesh to live out a consecrated life because we need to bring our flesh into submission to the spirit. The flesh would want to do our own things whereas the Spirit of God would want us to walk in His will. We will come to a situation where we will not do what we like but what is right in God’s eyes and plan. Although righteousness is imputed to us, sanctification and consecration are a lifelong process. This is something that all Christians should be doing or living out. It is not impossible as God has made it possible through the Spirit of God living in us. Yet, there are hindrances to living out a consecrated life. These include our pride, lack of faith in God such as fear of the unknown, loss of control of our lives and being unsure of the character or the goodness of God.

Jesus sets an example to show us how we should pray to be in God’s will and have His leading in every major decision we make in life. When Jesus prayed, He did not pray to receive anything from the Father but about becoming the sin sacrifice for the world. This is the only prayer in all of Jesus’ prayers recorded where it mentioned “If it is your will”. Jesus was praying about the will of God for His life when He said, “Nevertheless not my will, but as You will”. A prayer of consecration is a prayer seeking the will of God for our lives.

Matthew 26:42 (NKJV) Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”

We will have to submit to God when the answer to the prayer of consecration is not what He has in mind for us. It is a form of protection. It is dying to our flesh to not do what we want or like but what His plan for us is. Jesus submitted to the will of the Father when He knew that’s what He was supposed to do!

John 6:38 (NKJV) For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

Living a consecrated life is a choice. When we learn to walk in His will by surrendering ourselves to Him, we find ourselves living a life with joy, satisfaction of the soul and contentment of the spirit.

Sermon Series: Experiencing God – Is Our Faith in God Still Relevant Today