Consecration is the sacred act of setting oneself apart for God’s service, it is the bedrock of our Christian faith. It involves an absolute surrender of our hearts, minds, and souls to His will, a commitment to holiness, and a dedication to His kingdom. Yet, even the most minor details in our lives can inadvertently defile our consecration, hindering our spiritual growth and fellowship with God. As we read further, I will be bringing to our consciousness little habits that put us far from God, especially the ones we don’t pay much attention to. They include;
The Endless World Of Social Media
One of the most insidious ways our consecration can be defiled is through unnoticed distractions. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, we are constantly bombarded with stimuli that can divert our attention from God. From the endless scroll of social media to the allure of worldly pleasures, these distractions can subtly erode our focus on spiritual matters.
The Bible warns us about the dangers of worldly distractions. Jesus, in Matthew 6:21, states, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” If our hearts are preoccupied with earthly possessions and pursuits, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a consecrated life.
Lingering Habits
Even seemingly harmless habits can cause a break in our relationship with God, especially if they contradict His principles. These habits may have been ingrained in us for years, but they can still hinder our spiritual growth. For example, a habit of gossip or complaining can sow discord and negativity, hindering our relationship with God and others.
James 3:5 reminds us that the tongue is a small member of the body, yet it can set a whole forest ablaze. Similarly, even small, insignificant habits can have a huge impact on our spiritual well-being.
Pride and Self-Sufficiency: The Enemy Within
Pride and self-sufficiency are two other common but mighty pitfalls that can pollute our consecration. When we become overly focused on our own abilities and achievements, we can begin to believe that we don’t need God’s help. This can lead to a sense of spiritual arrogance and a rejection of God’s guidance.
Proverbs 16:18 warns us against the dangers of pride: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” When we are prideful, we become blind to our own weaknesses and limitations, making it impossible to truly surrender to God’s will.
The Toxic Mindset of Complaining and Grumbling
A negative attitude, characterized by complaining and grumbling, can distract us. When we focus on the negative aspects of our lives, we become less receptive to God’s blessings and more likely to doubt His goodness.
The Bible is filled with examples of people who were punished for their complaining and grumbling. If you read through Numbers 14, you will discover that the Israelites were condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years because they complained about their circumstances.
The Importance of Vigilance and Repentance in Our Consecration
We must know that when our consecration is defiled, the process is not irreversible. Through vigilance, repentance, and a renewed commitment to God, we can overcome these obstacles and restore our spiritual vitality.
Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” We must be constantly aware of the subtle ways in which our consecration can be compromised and take proactive steps to prevent or protect it.
Repentance is essential for restoring our union with God after we may have defiled it. It involves acknowledging our sin, turning away from it, and seeking God’s forgiveness. Through repentance, we can experience the cleansing and renewing power of the Holy Spirit.
The Help of the Holy Spirit
In the battle to keep our consecration, we are not alone! We have the powerful help of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us. The Holy Spirit is our divine guide and empowerer, equipping us with the strength and resources we need to overcome temptation, break free from negative habits, and cultivate a consecrated heart.
The Holy Spirit gives us the power to live a godly life. He is not merely a visitor, but a permanent resident of our hearts. According to Romans 8:9-11, “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ is in you, then the Spirit is also in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”
The Holy Spirit empowers us in various ways. He can:
- Convict us of sin: The Spirit convicts us of our wrongdoing, leading us to repentance and reconciliation with God.
- Guide us into truth: He guides us into a deeper understanding of God’s Word and His will for our lives.
- Empower us to resist temptation: The Spirit gives us the strength to resist temptation and choose righteousness.
- Fill us with love: He fills our hearts with love for God and others, enabling us to live a life of service and compassion.
- Equip us for ministry: He equips us with the gifts and abilities we need to serve God and others effectively.
In order to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s power in living a consecrated life, we must seek His guidance and direction by:
- Prayer: Prayer is essential for communicating with God. We can ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with His power and to lead us in the right direction.
- Bible study: The Bible which is the inspired Word of God, reveals His will for our lives. By studying the Bible, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s character and His plan for us. In that way, we are gradually chnaged into the nature of Christ.
- Worship: Worship is another powerful weapon that connects us with God and grants us access into His presence. When we worship, we express our love and adoration for Him, and we open ourselves to His transforming power.
When we yield to the Holy Spirit’s control, we will bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities are essential for a consecrated life, as they reflect the character of God Himself.
Conclusion
In our battle against the defilers of consecration, we are not alone. We have the powerful help of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within every believer. So, by seeking God’s guidance, yielding to His control, and embracing the fruit of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome temptation, break free from negative habits, and cultivate a consecrated heart.
