How to Live a Life Set Apart
If you want to know how to live a life set apart, you just have to look at the three men of God in Daniel 3. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were unwilling to eat what everyone else ate and do what everyone else was doing. Even though it would have been easier, they knew that their lives needed to honor God first and foremost. Today, we’re talking about three things you need to do if you want to live a consecrated life that reflects the faithfulness of God to those around you.
Take a look at Daniel 1-3. Here, we find four men who were sent into exile in Babylon. Babylonians did not honor God and had unique customs. It would have been easy for Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Daniel to do their best to blend in, try not to cause a stir, and hope that one day they would be back in Israel. However, they were so consecrated to God that they refused even to eat food that would have defiled their bodies.
As you look at these men, I want you to see three things this story tells us about living a consecrated life.
1. Leave some things behind.
Decide that you will not do what other people do.
2. Keep walking
Living for God is not always easy! Your friends and family may not understand why you don’t do the things you used to do. Sometimes it’s easier to just go along with what the world says. Don’t give up! Stick with your convictions and keep serving God, no matter what. As the world gets darker, your light will shine brighter!
3. You will come through the fire not even smelling like smoke
You are a covenant person. When the king tried to push Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego into the fire, Jesus was with them and protected them. He’ll protect you too!
Pray this: Father God, thank you for helping me consecrate myself to you. I want to serve you with my whole heart and live a life that shows others your faithfulness. Help me to keep my heart soft and open toward your correction. Show me anything in my life that is keeping me from you. I can’t wait to see what you do in and through my life! In Jesus’ name, amen!