As each year ends, Nominating Committees are given the task of selecting officers for the New Year. Although our churches are filled with talented people, this task has become very challenging, as members decline or reject the various positions they are asked to fill. Committee members would hear statements such as: “I am taking a break this year”; “I don’t have the time”; “I am unable to handle that position” or “If you don’t find anyone else for the position, I will accept it”. Does this sound familiar? God is not just looking for volunteers for leadership positions in His church; He is looking for individuals who are willing, available and totally committed to be used by Him, to build His church. He is looking for individuals who will submit and surrender their entire being for His service; this is what consecration is all about. It involves laying aside how we feel, and saying, “not my will but thine oh Lord, use me for your honor and glory”.

Being consecrated for His service is more than attending church each Sabbath or serving on the Church Board, it involves total submission, obedience, and dedication to God. As newly elected church leaders, consecration is a very serious responsibility on our part. Ellen G. White encouraged us to consecrate ourselves daily; this should be our first duty each morning, to repent and ask God to forgive the sins we have committed. Our daily prayer should be, “Take me, O Lord, as wholly Thine. I lay all my plans at Thy feet. Use me today in Thy service. Abide with me, and let all my work be wrought in Thee.”  (Steps to Christ pp72)

Each day we must be intentionally accountable for our actions. This accountability helps to keep us pure, alert, and ready for His return. Our Heavenly Father asks that we present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy, and acceptable unto Him (Romans 12:1). This self-sacrificing attitude allows us to lay aside any hindrances that may prevent us from being available for service. God’s word further guides us in consecrating ourselves for His service by admonishing us to lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us (Hebrews 12:1). Sometimes it’s the “small” sins that cause us to fall and lose focus. We are further admonished, “be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). The daily renewing of our minds encompasses thinking on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, praiseworthy, and virtuous (Philippians 4:8).

Being consecrated for His service also involves allowing the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and order our steps daily. We don’t need wealth and riches, just a heart that is eager and willing to give our possessions, time, and talents to further the work of God in our churches. Let’s give back to God, all the tools he gave to us; our hands, our ears, our voice, our eyes, so He can use them as He pleases. Let’s empty our cups so that He can fill them up (Available to You, lyrics). I pray that each church officer strives in 2023 to be Consecrated for His Service.

Article by Carla Rodgers, South Bahamas Conference Women's Ministry Director