Called to Holiness: The Requirement for Ministry

After you have purified the Levites and presented them as a wave offering, they are to come to do their work at the tent of meeting.

Numbers 8:15

Do you still remember the Levites family? We spoke about them extensively in the first few days of this month’s devotional. They were the family of the priest, that’s right. The reason it’s important for you to remember is because you are the new testament priests and you can learn a few things from God’s dealings with this old testament priestly family. 

In Numbers 8:15 for instance, we see God instructing Moses to purify the Levites before they come to do their work at the tent of meeting. This command underscores the importance of purity and consecration in the lives of those called to serve in ministry.

God’s requirement for purity among the Levites serves as a timeless principle for all who are called to leadership or ministry roles in the church. It reminds us that we cannot continue to live according to our own desires and preferences while simultaneously seeking to take up positions of spiritual authority or service.

As followers of Christ, we are called to a life of holiness and consecration—a life set apart for God’s purposes and glory. This involves a commitment to live in obedience to God’s Word, to pursue righteousness, and to flee from sin and impurity.

The apostle Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21, ESV). Just as the Levites were purified before they could serve in the tabernacle, so too must we stay away deliberately from anything that would hinder our effectiveness in ministry.

Living a life of purity and consecration is not always easy. It requires discipline, self-denial, and a willingness to surrender our own desires and preferences to God’s will. Yet, the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. When we commit ourselves to holiness, we position ourselves to be vessels for honorable use in the hands of our Master,  fit for the Master’s use, ready to serve Him faithfully and effectively in whatever capacity He calls us to.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for calling me to a life of holiness and consecration. Help me to cleanse myself from all that defiles, so that I may be a vessel fit for your use in ministry. Give me the strength and discipline to pursue righteousness and flee from sin. May my life be pleasing in your sight, and may I be ready and willing to serve you faithfully in whatever capacity you call me to. In Jesus’ name.