There is Power in Separation

My husband and I just spent a few days in the lovely mountains of North Georgia. It was a much-needed getaway. It’s amazing how a few days in nature (aka the presence of God—nature screams “I am present”) can refresh, revitalize, stir, and awaken the soul.

One of the things I was pondering on my trip was the concept of separation, or “consecration” and if, how, and when it is a source of strength. Perhaps this is because I have been reading Judges, especially the story of Sampson.

God called a man, told him to consecrate himself (God actually told his parents to raise him as a Nazarite, so he would be consecrated from birth), and infused him with strength to deliver an entire nation from oppression and slavery. (Israel had chosen to rebel against God and embrace the idols of the land—because of this, they lost their strength and had no power to fight against their enemies.) The consecration was a vital part of God’s plan. If he would not be consecrated, he would not know strength. The scriptures actually say that he would become “weak as any other man.” It was not the calling alone that set Sampson apart—it was his obedience to it.

Sampson didn’t seem to like being “set apart” from his kinsmen—his life was pretty counter-culture—so he chose to rebel. When he did, he found that he, like the rest of his people, lost his strength (his connection with the Spirit). It was in that moment that he realized without grace (God’s influence/favor) he had nothing. (Maybe before that happened he thought the power would just “be there” because it always had been . . .)

It is unfortunate that our modern Christian culture does not embrace the concept of consecration like it once did. Maybe it’s because the idea was perverted and abused and turned into legalism. Whatever the reason, I think we all need to be aware of the importance of consecration and obedience to Christ.

When God calls us to Himself, He infuses us with strength (His Spirit) to enable us to live our lives according to His will. His presence in us is enough to “distinguish” from those who do not know Him, but we cannot know His presence if we do not let Him set us apart. He said, “You shall be Holy (set apart) as I am Holy (set apart). Being consecrated is not an option—it’s part of the plan.

The point is, God will give us the strength to live consecrated lives. But we must be willing to live them. If we are willing, the power is there.

The calling is not enough—our obedience to it is key.

Am I consecrated wholly to the Lord? Am I allowing Him to infuse me with His life, regardless of whether or not I will “fit” into the culture? Am I willing to be “set apart?”

If I want liberty, I must have His strength. If I want His strength, I must have His Spirit. If I want His Spirit, I must obey. If I am willing to obey, He will give me the power to do so.

Peace,

Stephanie