Consecration is a much maligned word. In its strictest sense, it means to set apart as holy. That being the case, to really understand the act of consecration, we must also understand what it means to be holy.

Holy implies a pure and perfect state of something that is untainted by evil, or sin. Paul told Timothy in the fourth chapter of his letter to him, that there is nothing that is rendered evil if it is received with thanksgiving and consecrated. He was speaking primarily about certain foods that tradition implied were inherently wicked. But how are we to view something as good if someone else views it as evil? Scripture says we can do it through a grateful spirit, the word of God and prayer.

Today at many restaurants, we may see someone bow and express thanks for the food they are about to eat. It's a good thing to thank God for His provision, and it's easy to see how we consecrate something through thanksgiving and prayer. But how are we to use the word of God as Paul suggested?

God's word is a sword to those who, through the authority given them by Jesus, use it the right way. But I believe most of us neglect our responsibility as Christians because we never learn to use God's word with authority. We're ready to bow and pray at the drop of a hat, but seldom quick to apply God's word to what's going on around us.

It stands to reason that before you can use God's word to consecrate something, you need to have it in your heart and on your lips. After all, should someone ask you to pray specifically about their condition, you must have the proper premise, promise and position.

The premise we assume is coming under the divine will of God in what we ask. If we pray contrary to God's will, are we not attempting to frustrate God's plan through ignorance? We should pray like Jesus prays: constantly, specifically and expectantly. Next, we should know how to pray for certain situations. We learn that through knowing the promises of God as revealed in His word. Finally, we must pray from the position that is ours through the Righteousness of Jesus Christ. There simply is no other way to approach God and be confident He hears and answers our prayer.

I pray we'll learn to consecrate everything through thanksgiving, the word of God and prayer. Maybe then, we'll come to know the power of God that is available to those who are willing to pray for others.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Jr. 33:1-34:22 1 Tm. 4:1-16 Ps. 89:1-13 Pr. 25:23-24 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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