In a self-focused world, the idea of living a consecrated life, completely set apart for God, can sound extreme, even fanatical. Some think consecration is reserved for pastors, missionaries, or monastics.
But the truth of Scripture shouts otherwise: consecration is not for a few; it’s the calling of all who follow Christ.
What Is a Consecrated Life?
To be consecrated means to be set apart, dedicated wholly to God’s service and purposes. It is a life no longer lived for self, but for the glory of the One who redeemed it.
Romans 12:1 (NIV) urges us clearly:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
This is not a suggestion. It is an appeal to every believer. The same grace that saves us now calls us to live fully for Christ.
The Misconception: “It’s Not for Me”
Many believers admire the lives of men and women who live radically for God but say things like:
- “That’s not my calling.”
- “I’m not a pastor or a preacher.”
- “I just want to live a simple Christian life.”
- “I don’t have the grace you have”
But Scripture never presents consecration as optional or positional. It is not about having a microphone or a pulpit. It’s about having a heart wholly devoted to God. This devotion manifests right where you are: in the classroom, in business, in the kitchen, or in the mission field.
Biblical Example
Daniel (Daniel 1:8, Daniel 6:10)
Daniel was a government official in Babylon, not a priest. Yet his consecration to God defined his every action. He refused to defile himself with the king’s food (Daniel 1:8) and remained faithful in prayer even when it became illegal (Daniel 6:10). Daniel’s life shows that consecration is possible outside religious settings. It is a matter of personal devotion and daily obedience.
Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2-3)
Aquila and Priscilla were tentmakers by profession, yet they lived lives deeply devoted to God. They opened their home to Paul, mentored Apollos (Acts 18:26), and hosted church gatherings (Romans 16:3-5). Their consecration was clear in their hospitality, teaching, and service to the early church, all while maintaining their professional trade. Their story proves that everyday believers, when wholly surrendered, can be powerful instruments in God’s hands.
Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11, 27-28)
Samuel was a child consecrated to God by his mother, Hannah, even before his birth. He was brought to the temple to serve under Eli the priest. He grew up in the presence of the Lord. From a young age, Samuel learned to listen to God’s voice and became a faithful prophet to Israel. His life reminds us that consecration is not limited by age. God can set apart children for His purposes when they are surrendered to Him early.
Mary, Mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26–38)
When the angel announced that Mary would carry the Messiah, her response was:
“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
Mary’s motherhood began with submission, trust, and faith in the supernatural. She accepted her calling as a vessel of God’s purpose, even in the face of misunderstanding and risk.
Jochebed, Mother of Moses (Exodus 2:1–10)
In a time of crisis, Jochebed, hid him and eventually placed him in a basket on the Nile. Her act was not just one of desperation, but of faith and obedience.
Consecrated motherhood requires courage to release your child into God’s hands, even when you don’t fully understand the outcome.
“A mother’s womb may carry a child, but a consecrated mother’s heart shapes a destiny.”
A Personal Journey: When God Redirected My Zeal
I still remember the day I received my master’s degree in Engineering. My heart was burning with passion. I was deeply stirred and ready to serve God in the most radical way I could imagine. To me, the ultimate expression of consecration meant walking away from everything familiar and becoming a missionary, specifically in Peru. I had heard powerful testimonies of individuals who gave up their careers to follow God to distant nations. I thought to myself, That’s it! That’s what it means to be truly consecrated.
So I brought my plan before the Lord in prayer, ready to go. But what He said next caught me off guard:
“Your workplace is your mission field. You are equally called to live a consecrated life, child of God, right where I have placed you.”
That moment redefined everything for me.
God showed me that consecration isn’t always about leaving, it’s often about remaining with purpose. He wasn’t calling me to escape the corporate world, but to invade it with His presence. He reminded me that souls are in boardrooms, labs, and office cubicles. These souls may never set foot in a church. Still, they desperately need to see Christ through someone consecrated.
Consecration Is About Obedience, Not Location
I thought for a long time that consecration was tied to geography. You had to go somewhere remote and give up all comfort. Then you’d be truly set apart. But I came to realize what God truly values is obedience, not the glamour of the sacrifice. It’s not about where you go, but why and for whom.
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23–24
In other words, your desk can be your pulpit. Your project meetings can be your ministry appointments. Your career can be your calling—if it’s surrendered to God.
What Does a Consecrated Life Look Like Today?
- Surrendered Will. A Life Set Apart for God:
Jesus in Gethsemane prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Consecration begins when our desires bow to God’s desires. “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1-2). You live to please God, not the world. You’re not conformed to worldly values (materialism, pride, immorality), but daily renewing your mind through God’s Word and Spirit. - Holiness in Lifestyle:
“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” 1 Peter 1:15–16. Holiness is not outdated. It is the fragrance of consecration. You reflect God’s character in your actions. It means living with moral integrity. You must flee compromise. Walk in purity in relationships, modesty, kindness, and forgiveness. Do this even when no one is watching. - Daily Sacrificial Living:
Consecration is not a one-time event; it’s a daily offering. Paul said, “…I die daily” 1 Corinthians 15:31. It’s choosing to live for Christ in every decision, even small ones. “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself…“(Luke 9:23). You give up selfish ambitions, comfort, or even relationships if they hinder your walk with God. You choose eternal rewards over temporary gains. (Philippians 3:7-8) - Obedient Living in Ordinary Places:
Consecration is about trusting God’s placement. For some, it may be the jungles of Peru. For others, it could be the hallways of a school. It might also be the wards of a hospital or the aisles of a grocery store. It’s about answering, “Yes, Lord,” wherever He places you. You don’t just hear God’s Word, you live it. Whether it’s loving enemies, serving others, or stepping into a calling, you obey even when it costs. - Daily Intimacy with God:
“Abide in Me, and I in you…” John 15:4-5. You prioritize daily time with God. You engage in prayer, worship, and study of His Word. You depend on Him for strength, direction, and fruitfulness. - Kingdom Priorities:
“Seek first the Kingdom of God…” Matthew 6:33. Your time, money, talents, and plans revolve around God’s kingdom; evangelism, discipleship, justice, mercy, and intercession. - Living by the Spirit:
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16-25. You allow the Holy Spirit to guide your actions and produce fruit in you, love, joy, peace, patience, etc. Even when challenged
A consecrated life today is:
- God-centered, not self-centered
- Holy and different from the world
- Rooted in daily communion with God
- Marked by obedience, sacrifice, and spiritual fruit
- Committed to advancing God’s Kingdom
God Uses Consecrated Professionals
God used Daniel in Babylon. He worked through Joseph in Egypt. Lydia, the businesswoman in Acts 16, was another example. God is still using consecrated people from all works of life, today to influence nations, industries, and individuals. The world doesn’t need more people abandoning their jobs to “feel more holy.” It needs more people who are holy where they are.
I began to understand that showing up at work with integrity was important. Praying over decisions and refusing to compromise mattered too. Loving my colleagues sacrificially was just as much Kingdom work as preaching to a crowd in Peru.
Like David, you may be in a “shepherd” season, tending to things that seem small or unnoticed. Yet that place may be where God is preparing you for kingship, training you in faith, worship, courage, and responsibility.
“Before you can wear the crown, you must carry the staff.”
Consecration is about alignment with God’s purpose, not immediate promotion.
The Reward of Consecration
While the world offers fleeting applause, God promises eternal reward.
“Therefore if anyone cleanses himself… he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21 (NKJV)
Consecrated lives are not wasted; they are prepared lives, ready for Kingdom impact, useful in God’s hands.
Final Encouragement: Who and Where You Are
You may be an adult, a young or older child, engineer, a medical doctor, a teacher, a nurse, a stay-at-home parent, a student, or a cleaner. Whatever your role, know this: God wants a consecrated you and your current season. Don’t wait to be somewhere else or someone else to start living fully for Him. The call to consecration is for you and right where you are.
God doesn’t need you to cross an ocean to prove your love. He simply needs you to lay down your life. This could be at your desk, in your home, in your school, or in your community.
Will you let Him use you there?
Prayer:
Lord, I surrender my will, my plans, and my life to You. Set me apart for Your purposes. Teach me to walk in holiness and obedience. May I live daily as a living sacrifice, pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The Anointed Scribe’s Lamp 