“Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There are devoted things among you, Israel.” – Joshua 7:13
The Hidden Weight
After the miraculous victory at Jericho, Israel suffered a humiliating defeat at a much smaller city called Ai. The people were confused and discouraged, but the problem wasn’t a lack of military strength—it was a hidden weight within the camp. One man, Achan, had kept things that were meant to be destroyed, hiding them under the floor of his tent.
We often do the same. We want the “crown of beauty,” but we try to wear it while clutching the “ashes” of hidden habits, secret resentments, or compromises we think no one sees. We wonder why we feel defeated or “stuck” in our spiritual walk, not realizing that what we are hiding is actually hindering us.
The Purpose of Consecration
When God told Joshua to “consecrate” the people, He was calling them to a spiritual deep-cleaning. Consecration sounds like a heavy, religious word, but it simply means “to set apart for a special purpose.”
- Achan’s Tent vs. Your Heart: We all have a “floor of the tent”—the private places in our lives where we tuck away things we aren’t proud of. God isn’t looking for these things to shame us; He points them out because He knows that hidden sin acts like a lead weight on our wings.
- Cleaning for the Blessing: God told the people to prepare for tomorrow. Consecration isn’t about dwelling on the past; it’s about clearing the rubble so that God can build something new. You cannot step into the “tomorrow” God has for you if you are still holding onto the “devoted things” of yesterday.
- An Act of Love, Not Punishment: Think of a surgeon removing a tumor. It might be painful, but it is done to save a life. When the Holy Spirit points out a hidden area of your life that needs to go, it’s not because He is angry—it’s because He loves you too much to let you stay stuck.
A Simple Truth
Purity is the prerequisite for power. You don’t have to be perfect to be used by God, but you do have to be honest. Bringing your hidden “ashes” into the light of God’s grace is the only way to exchange them for His beauty. Tomorrow’s victory depends on the honesty of today’s heart-check.
The Inner Inventory
- Open the Tent: Spend five minutes in quiet reflection. Ask the Holy Spirit: “Is there anything I am hiding or holding onto that is hindering my walk with You?” Be brave enough to listen to the answer.
- The “Drop It” Moment: If there is a habit, an attitude, or a secret you’ve been protecting, make the decision to “drop it” today. Confess it to God and, if necessary, a trusted friend or mentor. Light shines brightest when the shadows are removed.
- Prepare for Tomorrow: Live today with the expectation that God wants to do something great in your life tomorrow. When you live with an “expectant heart,” staying consecrated becomes a joy rather than a chore.
Prayer
Search me, O God, and know my heart today. I don’t want anything hidden in my ‘tent’ to keep me from the fullness of Your blessing. Point out anything in me that offends You—any secret pride, hidden bitterness, or compromise—and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Thank You for Your grace that doesn’t just forgive me, but purifies me for the beautiful future You have planned. Amen.
