Consecration: Setting Yourself Apart

Setting yourself apart? Consecration? Just like you, I once felt unrest trying to truly understand what it means to be “consecrated” or “set apart”. I remember the first time I heard the words, “The Lord wants you to consecrate yourself, set yourself apart.” They were spoken to me one Sunday service by my pastor, Apostle Steve Green, of More Than Conquers Faith Church. These were the words and a series of other sermons that ultimately ignited curiosity and a quest for understanding the true meaning of consecration and setting myself apart. Just like many of you, when we are on the quest for answers in today’s day in age, where do we turn to? The internet. This was my first sign that I needed to set myself apart. As I write about my experiences and reflect on past behaviors, I chuckle because now that I have shifted to a life consecrated unto the Lord. I find myself running to the Lord in prayer to gain understanding on various topics, and when I have to make a decision, I seek God’s counsel in prayer on the best course of action. However, through my internet search I found what it means to consecrate myself unto the Lord. I’ve come across many different sermons and devotionals that have helped me along the way, and I would like to share them with you in this blog post. ​

To be Consecrated?

Consecration is an ongoing choice to set yourself apart from worldly things and to dedicate your life to the will of God. It isn't something that you can just decide one day out of the blue. There is deeper work that must be done to truly consecrate yourself. It is not just a mental effort or something you decide to do cognitively; God is looking at your heart posture. When there is a shift in your heart's posture, you may notice:

• An increase in humility

• Dependent on God’s strength

• Surrendering to God’s will

• Make strides to glorify God in all things.

• Your personal desires are shifting away from personal gain and self-sufficiency.

It truly becomes a daily choice to seek and choose God and allow him to work through you.

One of the sermons I came across during my quest for understanding was by Pastor Stephanie Ike Okafor, who speaks on being set apart (Link below) and what it truly means to be “Set Apart”. In the demonstration, she had three people represent the Body, Soul, and Spirit, and through it, she elaborated on the differences between being Flesh-led and Spirit-led and how they affect your ability to become consecrated unto the Lord.

1. Flesh Led: Body⇢Soul⇢Spirit (Lacks Restraint)

When you are flesh-led, you may find that you are easily influenced by the desires of the flesh. If you find yourself struggling to resist urges or tend to make excuses not to step into God's purpose for you, it will be harder to consecrate yourself unto the Lord. Pastor Stephanie's demonstration of being flesh-led reminds me of a sermon from my own pastor, Apostle Steve Green. In this particular sermon, his message caught my attention. He stated a particular question during his sermon: “Are you chasing 'The Sun' or 'The Son” This sermon really spoke to me and helped me to get back on the path of righteousness. It helped me to realize I was chasing the ways of the world. Looking back around this time last year, there was a surge in concerts, and my mindset was that I just needed to be at as many as I could. I was spending money left and right trying to be in one of those seats, but I made little to no effort to be in God’s seat. I was also inconsistent in my prayer life and in my tithing. After hearing those sermons and reading about King Solomon in Ecclesiastes, I knew I needed to make changes in my life to align with God.​

2. Spirit Led (Gain Restraint)

Spirit⇢Soul⇢ Body

When you Spirit Lead, you will find that you reset apart. Ultimately, finding much restraint in engaging in fleshly desires. When you are spirit-led, you have a deep reverence for God and are aligned with God’s will.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:2 NIV

What does it mean to be Set Apart? What Changes?

Setting yourself apart is the active choice to choose God, but not in the way that you think! See, God looks past your mind and thoughts; He is looking at your heart. Are you looking to set yourself apart to gain something from him? Maybe you need him to change your circumstances, maybe you want a new job to advance your career, or you have been hoping to get into a particular program.

Once I started making changes in my life, I still needed to assess my own intentions and why I truly wanted to make the changes to consecrate myself. What I truly wanted. This was one thing I had to spend weeks figuring out. At first, it may have been because I wanted things to shift for me personally and professionally, but I still couldn’t hear. any direction from God. There were still some things I had to surrender, such as the need to be in control and my old perspective of what would bring me joy. As I reflect, I wonder how those experiences advance the kingdom of God? I’ve realized that it didn't; it only satisfied my fleshly desires and quieted the FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). However, through my experiences, I have realized that God’s will and purpose for my life was greater than the one I had perceived as my purpose, and once I accepted that in my heart and surrendered to the idea of not being in control or seeking experiences I thought brought me great joy and happiness. I found real peace and happiness by deepening my relationship with God. As a result, I realized I no longer focused on what I wanted God to do for me. My mindset shifts to how I can be a vessel for God today. I find myself constantly asking, In what ways can I be of service to God today? Other changes I’ve noticed after setting yourself apart are that your interests change. You find yourself gravitating towards music and media that align with the kingdom of God. You may find that you no longer spend much time on social media, or that the music you once listened to no longer brings you the same level of enjoyment.

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

Philippians 2:13 NIV

How can I start my journey?

If you want to start your journey, take a moment to ask yourself these questions:

1. What temptations or desires are you putting before God?

2. Ask yourself: Are my actions or behaviors advancing the kingdom of God?

3. Identify what you gain from satisfying your fleshly desires?

4. What are the things that are hindering your ability to become set apart?

5. Are you truly ready to give up

6. How will you make God a priority in your daily life?

7. What are the things you have to let go of in your heart? (e.g., anger, unforgiveness, etc.)

8. Are you willing to allow the Lord to take full control and allow him to use you as his vessel to further his message?

Questions for You to Ponder Until Next Time

1. What was the journey like for you when you made the decision to set yourself apart?

2. What did you notice you needed to surrender in order to set yourself apart?

3. What were some of the changes you noticed once you set yourself apart?

Pastor Stephanie Ike Okafor's Be Set Apart Video:

Also, if you are looking to hear a powerful sermon, Click the link below to hear my Pastor, Apostle Steve Green preach at More Than Conquers Faith Church live on Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@MTCFAITHCHURCH

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