A few weeks ago I heard in my spirit the phrase - “levels of consecration.” Being the “ponderer” that I am, I have given this subject much thought and meditation. Generally speaking, I like to suggest a topic or a word that will cause people to “stop and think about it” - a selah moment. Being one who loves to be challenged in my thinking and walk with the Lord, I try to make it a goal for others to “search a matter out” rather than accept a word as fact and truth.

Regarding this subject of consecration - even before I begin - I realize there will be many that will assume either one of two positions.

1.  This is under Old Testament “law” - therefore, this is a “religious legalist” position. Or,

2. Since I am now under “grace” - this no longer applies to me. Grace covers everything.

On the one hand we have “law” and on the other, we have “grace.” But, allow me to suggest to you this topic is neither about law nor grace, rather about personal consecration, and intimacy with the Lord. It is about those who press into Him, and He in return, “rewards those who diligently seek Him”¹

Paul spoke about things the eyes haven’t seen, or the ears haven’t heard, yet, He has revealed them to us, by His Spirit.² The Bible promises if we cry out to Him, He will show us things, great and mighty things, that we don’t have the capacity to receive from natural intellect.³

Rather than waste your valuable time and prolong the issue here, may I simply, as they say, cut to the chase?

Here is today’s dilemma: While the Word of God tells us that “we” the Body of Christ can perform miracles, signs and wonders, has it crossed any of our minds as to “Why” do the majority of believers NOT see these things?

Why can’t the majority of professing Christians even get a “headache” healed in the United States - but then go to 3rd world nations and see blind eyes open? Is there a double standard in the realm of the Spirit? The answer is “No.” it has to do with our level of consecration. Forgive me for saying this, but I do so only to make the point, I have seen those who are living in known sin easily perform miracles overseas, and yet cannot get victory over sinful habits at home. What is the “deal” here, Lord?

The miracles overseas come from the faith of those seeking, and their desperation for the miracle. Their faith has been acceptable to God. The instrument through which the miracle comes is merely the conduit of God’s grace for that moment. Not necessarily due to their current spiritual standing.

Grace has saved us, and put us in right standing with the Lord. No doubt. This isn’t the issue. The issue is am I pursuing God in separation to Him by choice? Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you.⁴ In this personal pursuit of choice, God will not only show us things of the Spirit, He will release into your life a greater dimension of power and victory.

The Old Testament laws regarding a Nazirite were there for those who chose a season to pursue God. A time of holy separation. The only incidents in the Bible that I’m aware of where a person was called to be a Nazirite from birth were Samson⁵, and apparently, John the Baptist⁶.

A higher level of consecration therefore releases a maturing in the things of God, and with the maturing, comes greater responsibility and accountability. The Bible talks about milk for babies, meat for the mature and then hidden manna for those who overcome.

I totally believe in the principle of impartation. Yet, though we might receive an impartation from someone who had paid a price for a level of anointing, it will only become a temporary thing unless our lives equally match the level of consecration from the one who “got it.” Temporary or permanent depends on our level of consecration.

To conclude: what might not necessarily be ‘sin’ for one person, yet, might equally be considered an item of “consecration” for another. Simply out of their love and devotion to God. Though it might be “legal” - it might not be beneficial in their pursuit of God.

My fear of using an example is: the example becomes the “issue” instead of “the point.” The focus is then turned from the aspect of consecration for greater anointing, revelation, and intimacy with God, (AND THAT IS THE POINT) to then become an “issue” of law versus grace; or, justification for doing something that another person feels they are not allowed to do. Again, to extremely press the point - we are looking for levels of consecration based on love and relationship, not rules and regulations of religion.

Therefore, in closing, (hear the organ playing?) I will go against my better judgment and use an example. Those who are looking to debate the example, rather than seeing the point, I’ll concede now... you win. Those who are looking for greater intimacy with Jesus that could result in greater inward revelation of Him, as well as, a greater outward demonstration of authority and power...you really win!

The Principle:

The higher the calling - the higher the level of consecration required to fulfill it.

The Principle Examples:

Samson, Daniel, John the Baptist.

An Illustrated Point:

One man of God feels free, and “legal”, to have a glass of wine with dinner. He faces neither personal conviction nor guilt. He is under “grace” and has the liberty, within the boundaries of “be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess.”⁷

Another man of God feels the “need” to abstain to neither offend his brother, or, to his convictions the very appearance of evil.⁸

Yet, another man of God, due to God’s high calling, may see it neither as liberty or bondage. Rather, abstention as a level of consecration. Though, “a little wine for your stomach’s sake”⁹ might be permissible, instead it becomes an “item” of consecration. A personal “choice” to not allow anything to cloud, diminish, or confuse the Voice of the Holy Spirit. And, His effectiveness through him.

The bottom line is, as men and women of God, we cannot afford to allow any thought in our mind or heart, that didn’t first originate in Heaven. The “consecrated thing” - whether what we drink, what we watch, what we read, or what we hear, isn’t as important as the results it may achieve. Greater intimacy, authority, and power in the Kingdom to destroy the works of the devil is.