Christians Are On the Earth to Serve the Lord
We Christians are on this earth in order to serve the Lord. After we get saved, we read God's word and start making changes. Years ago, when I would look back at those early days after I first got saved, I used to say that my walk with the Lord was by the checkbook or checklist method. I would read the word of God, examine my life, and start trying to change--like somebody going through a checklist with the goal of doing what they find on it. As I kept on trying, the Lord came by with that invisible part, his grace, and helped me, and has continued to do so. (Those with issues may wish to see our Deliverance Series.)
We put off the old man and his desperate, wicked deeds (like watching television) and we start putting on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. We start serving the Lord. Even when a Christian woman is washing the dishes and taking care of her children she is doing sanctified work--she is fulfilling the scriptures; women are to be keepers at home. When we consecrate ourselves and our things--house, apartment, furniture, grass, etc. daily living takes on a new dimension. Some years ago, someone asked me a question that I never forgot. They asked what I did in seeking personal consecration. I had never heard anyone speak on that wise and it caused me to examine something very important--what I was actively doing in setting aside my self for God. We can actively seek to be set apart and holy for God and dedicated to his purposes. In actuality, we are commanded to be holy--
1 Peter 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
We are to be sanctified and set apart for God's uses. When we start purging ourselves from the dishonourable things (including false doctrines), we can be used.
2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Personal consecration...the state of personally being set aside for God, for his worship and for his service; a person setting aside his body, his goods, and everything that he has for God Almighty--even if we are imperfect. We just keep on trying and doing what we can. God helps us along and helps us to do what we can do--even a preschooler can put his toys in the toy box, make his bed, and fold towels. They are little, but they can help.
It may have been after that important question about personal consecration that I dedicated the couch, the bench, the furniture, every inch of yard, etc. to God for his service. When we actively seek God by obeying his word, it does not take a long time before holiness actually becomes a preference. There is another way to live outside of tv and the world's system. It is a deeply satisfying life with God. There is a path that no fowl knoweth and on which the lion's whelps have not trodden and it is not found in the land of the living (see Job 28). Only God knows the way thereof.
Job 28:23 God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof.28 And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
We find ourselves on it when we leave the world's system for God's word (the Authorized Version of 1611 of the Bible). By the fear of the Lord, men depart from evil. When we walk toward God's word, we are at the same time leaving evil. If someone is going to the grocery store, they have to leave their house. If we are turned to God and drawing nigh to him, we are leaving the devil and his evil works. A reward is awaiting all that do this (see Hebrews 11:6).
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
If a man purge himself from evil works and habits, he shall be meet for the master's use and prepared unto every good work.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
There is work to be done and the labourers are few. It is time to lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us , and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (see Hebrews chapter 12). It is now our time to work and endure. Then, when we have accomplished our mission, then the Lord will call us home. (excerpted from "Ten Evidences that someone has been born again.")
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