Consecration

Consecration is the solemn dedication to a special purpose or service, usually religious. The word "consecration" literally means "setting apart. (Wikipedia)

We consecrate the communion elements when we bless them or ask God to bless them. We consecrate our meals the same way. We also consecrate our selves to God. We also can consecrate our homes our places of worship our times together. To me, it's a raising of the bar, in taking seriously that God dwells among us and that God is real and that God's presence changes everything.

If we are consecrated and our place of meeting is consecrated, then we can really love each other and really be loving and gracious and kind and optimistic. If we are consecrated and dwelling in God like a branch in the vine, we'll be able to confront evil as well; wise as serpents and as gentle as doves.

When we are consecrated we also cherish the sacred things. We need to see God and the Word and the Spirit as sacred. What has been consecrated becomes sacred and needs to be held dear. This is the raising of the bar I mentioned. We need to recognize how we treat each other or God or worship or the Word with contempt, even subtly. We need to repent and consecrate ourselves.