Set Apart

Set Apart 

by David Brenneman 

‭"Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine." Leviticus 20:26.

It's a very big deal to the Father. Have you ever considered that?

Have you ever considered that the only things that you can take with you when you die are what you've done with, to, and for others?

Most might have heard an old phrase "your reputation precedes you".

Throughout His ministry here on Earth...Jesus's reputation preceded Him. Yet after every encounter with people...He got away to pray and be with His Father. 

Daily cleansing isn't just for the pores of your skin. Daily cleansing from life is a requirement in Spiritual growth and your Spiritual well-being. 

My interactions with people are very limited. Even though many think otherwise. I get tunnel vision when I work on practically everything that I do. Personal interaction clouds my thoughts so I really don't engage much in small talk while working. What's more is that I hold Colossians 3:24-34 as a standard.  

It's not in this aspect of my life where I feel set apart...it's in this aspect right here that I do. In my doing my part in showing up when and where Jesus wants to meet me, then we write.  

Some have tried to point to things that I have done that they referred to as my legacy. I really didn't consider those things as that. I highly doubt that should a day come where an obituary of me would be written that those things would be mentioned.

In your life there will be something that sets you apart in the work of God in your world for the kingdom of God. Everyone who is in the body of Christ is specifically set in that position by the Spirit of God. The Bible tells us that. This means that all who are in Christ Jesus are set apart for the work of service to God.

The Church of Jesus Christ is to be active, not as inactive as a couch potato. We're not to bash people over the head with the Bible but rather do as the Bible says...let your light so shine before men in such a way that people see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven. 

We're in such a sensory saturated world. Trying to take the thoughts, feelings and emotions that belong to Christ Jesus and disburse them to people or events that do not matter in light of knowing Jesus.

Do you commit your way to the Lord? Hmm?

Do you set aside time before your day and before it ends to be with Jesus in some way? If you are in Christ isn't whatever is important to Jesus important to you?

Jesus was very intentional on setting the perfect example for His Disciples. We see the results in the lives of the Apostles. We see it handed down to the first Elders. The first Deacons and Deaconesses. We see it in the first Pastor. All written in the New Testament for our instruction. 

The next thing that we learn...is that there are no insignificant parts of the body of Christ. We are set apart from the world to serve our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, and regardless of what our role size might appear to be...it's significant in the eyes of God the Father and God the Son and God the Spirit. 

Some are living lives in Christ in such discomfort and pain. This does not mean you aren't able to fulfill your ministry in Christ. Continue in prayer until your heart and mind understand what it is you are to be doing. 

Jesus never moved on to any new city or place until He got word from His Father. Jesus always did what was pleasing to His Father.  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6.

A group called Casting Crowns had a song a few years back that has a very significant line in the lyrics. "I will praise you in the storm...". 

Regardless of what we face...we need to have the mind of Christ. Praising God in our struggles sets us very much apart from the world. 

If indeed you are saved...you are set apart for the work of God in Christ Jesus. That's what matters and what gived significance to your life. 

Find out when Jesus wants to meet with you and show up. Downsize your time spent on fruitless endeavors. Be intentional on being the holy, set apart, person you are to be as unto the Lord Jesus Christ. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.