He Sanctifies

Hello Bride of Christ,

Ever do something for the first time and struggle with knowing whether you have done it correctly? This happens to me in many different circumstances such as at the gym - did I really use this machine correctly? In the kitchen - did I follow the recipe exactly how the writer intended? At the golf course - am I using the correct club? Regardless the circumstance or the new experience, time will show the results. 

If I used the machine at the gym correctly, with time, soreness would be my result. If I followed the recipe as intended, with time, savory treats would be enjoyed. If I chose the correct club, in time, I would finish the course. The same is true with our Christian walk. God knows this very well so He does not leave us to do it on our own. 

In the Old Testament the Lord encourages the children of Israel to walk with Him. He says, "Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God." (Leviticus 20:7) This statement from the Lord is weaved into the midst of Him telling the children of Israel what they shall and shall not do. As you read these chapters in Leviticus you may begin to feel weighed down with all the rules. It may even bring this feeling of hopelessness. Then you come to this verse when you think you cannot bear to hear another command. 

"Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy" 

Provoking this question within, am I living this Christian life as God intended?

Consecration is the act of declaring something sacred due to relation to someone or something. God is asking the children of Israel and us to separate ourselves because we are declared sacred (set apart) because He is our God. We belong to Him who is holy, therefore we too are to consider ourselves holy. But God knew we would struggle with whether or not we were consecrating / separating ourselves and living holy lives to His standard, so He continues to speak. The Lord says, "And you shall keep My statues, and perform them: I am the Lord who sanctifies you." (Leviticus 20:8) 

Sanctification is like consecration in that its the act of declaring something holy, sacred, set apart. However, in the Christian life it is the setting apart conducted by the Lord Himself. As a result, we do not have to worry about whether we are keeping all His statues and performing them correctly. We do not have to worry about whether we are correctly consecrating ourselves. Time again will show the results. 

Bride of Christ, the Lord who sanctifies will do as He said He will sanctify you. Keep showing up, listening and performing what you know to be righteous and true according to His word, and with time you will see the Lord set you apart. "Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1) Allow God to be who He is in your life: The Lord who sanctifies you.