“And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.” [John 17:19]
THIS VERSE HAS OFTEN BEEN a source of motivation and challenge to me as I have wrestled with issues of surrender and obedience. When I am tempted to secretly indulge my flesh, to be slack in my work, to be harsh with my words, or yield to self-centered emotions, the example of Christ who consecrated His life to God for our sake helps me stop and think about the influence my lifestyle has on those around me.
It’s bad enough for us to make choices that hurt our own relationship with God. Yet how much more serious to be the cause of someone else deciding to sin. So as we consecrate our lives to God and let Him sanctify us by His truth, we do so not only for our own sake and for Christ’s sake but also for the sake of others.
I once heard someone say about a ministry leader, “If I was ever to decide not to be a Christian—and I almost did—it would be because of that man.” The truth is, other believers are affected by our choices. And to a significant degree, the lost world determines its view of God based on the lives of those who profess to know Him. I wonder how many people have been dissuaded from believing in Christ because of something they’ve seen or experienced from those of us who bear His name.
Why must you be willing to say no to your flesh and yes to God, day in and day out? Because of the price Jesus paid to make you holy. Because the world desperately needs to see what God is like. Because this is your created purpose and destiny. Because your consecrated life may inspire someone who’s watching you to turn from sin, look to Christ, and choose the pathway of holiness.
Have you considered how your choice to cling to sin or to live a holy, set apart life affects your family, your children, your friends, your legacy? Does your life motivate the people around you to live a holy life? [The Quiet Time]
