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CONSECRATION TO A WORK

The following, clipped from the “National S.S. Teacher,” well illustrates what we have sometimes stated, namely, that the word consecration is given only a limited meaning by the majority of Christians—that to these it means consecration to a self-imposed or sect-imposed work, rather than a full giving up of their all TO GOD, to seek, to learn and to do his will regardless of party, sect or self. The clipping reads:—

“By consecration is meant such devotion to any given line of Christian work as will secure oneness of aim and effort. It is fundamental to success. No S.S. teacher can hope to be a winner of souls without it. Pupils can easily perceive the difference between the teacher who is consecrated to his work and one who is not. After all it is the key to the situation. What we as teachers need above all things else is thorough consecration to our work. But let us remember that God alone can consecrate. We can dedicate ourselves to his work and then await his consecration. Have we taken the preliminary steps. I have in mind a teacher who was eminently successful in winning souls to Christ. Some envied her, others praised her and wondered at the secret of her success. It is all summed up in one word—consecration.”

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— May 1, 1892 —