consecration as distinctly holy
The word that describes behavior that is distinct from the world around
us for the sake of honoring God is “consecrated” (also "holy"). It means set apart, but we often think of that as separated AWAY from the world
rather than distinct WITHIN it. But the special use for which God sets us apart is to be used.
From the beginning God set apart His people – by
laws, by covenant and sign, by behavior. The purpose was not to shelter them
away and keep them pure and aloof, but that they would be a witness to the surrounding
world of the character and nature of God. In Christ, we continue to be set apart IN the world for God's glory (cf. 1 Peter 2:5-12).
Said another way, we are to be a reflection of the holiness
of God. But God, as perfectly holy, does not hide away from humanity.
Rather, in holiness God has come among us in Jesus Christ, to live and
be one of us, but to do so with complete distinctness as the perfectly
obedient one, to redeem and draw humanity unto Himself.
Whether we talk about consecrating gifts of money for the mission and
work of this church or talk about consecrating our lives in service to
God, we are talking about openly belonging to God for His public glory.
So, the mission and ministry of the Church is not for ourselves, but
for the world around us, to point to God. Our mission and ministry as
Christians is not to get blessed by God, but to give ourselves in
service to God for the blessing of others.
As Christians, we are God’s own
possession, set apart as distinct for God’s public glory.