Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV): God’s chosen people are set apart and sanctified for His purpose.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

If there is one thing that stands out in the narrative of God’s relationship towards His people is the call for holiness; being set apart  is the call of every believer and saint. Each individual is set apart and is called into a relationship with God; but in order for that to happen, He calls them to set them apart from the rest of the world; He calls them to holiness, but why? The answer lies in the idea that God is holy; and as God’s holy people we are set apart to create the work that he wants to do in this world; here are some truths from God’s word, and why we are set apart.

1. People should have a heart that is holy and set apart for the Lord God. 1 Peter 3:15-17.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

This verse calls believers to revere Christ as Lord in their hearts, living in a way that reflects holiness and dedication to God. It emphasizes being prepared to gently and respectfully defend your faith, even when faced with opposition, and to maintain a clear conscience. For worship leaders, this means having a heart that prioritizes God’s glory above all else, ensuring that their actions, motives, and worship align with His holiness.

2. God set Jeremiah apart before he was born and appointed him as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

God’s sovereign plan and purpose for Jeremiah’s life even before his birth. It reveals that God chooses and prepares His servants for specific roles and ministries long before they are aware of their calling. For worship leaders, this reminds us that serving God in ministry is not random but part of a divine plan. It also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing the calling God has placed on their lives.

3. God has set apart people to be His own, and being set apart is both a privilege and a responsibility. Leviticus 20:26:

You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.

The holiness of God and His call for His people to reflect that holiness by being set apart from the world. Being “set apart” means living according to God’s standards, not the world’s, and embracing the distinct identity of belonging to Him. It’s both an honor and a challenge, as it requires intentionality in aligning one’s life with God’s purposes.

BEING SET APART

Being “set apart” means being made different and special, designated for a specific purpose. For Christians, it means living a life distinct from the world by following Jesus’ example rather than conforming to societal or cultural norms.

God set you apart before you were born. Just as with Jeremiah, God has uniquely called and equipped you for His purpose. Your gifts—whether in singing, leading, or teaching—are tools He has given you to accomplish His will on Earth.

Matthew 6:24 reminds us, “No one can serve two masters.” You cannot serve both God and the world. Trying to fit in with worldly patterns will lead to the same mistakes the Israelites made—they were called to be God’s chosen people, yet they suffered when they turned from Him and followed sinful ways.

Finally, being set apart by God is a privilege and a responsibility, not a sign of superiority. It is a call to live humbly, honor God with your life, and use your talents for His glory—not to blend in with the crowd.

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Questions:

1. Are there some areas of your life that God is dealing with you to surrender as you pursue living a holy life set apart for Him?
2. Share some reflections on the idea that you were chosen and set apart by God even before you were aware of that calling or purpose. How does that make you feel?
3. Are there areas of your life where you feel a struggle between the world’s norms and what you know as God’s culture and calling? What is something you can do to shift your focus to God and His Kingdom when these arise in your life?

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Part 2

Questions:

1. Knowing your purpose and who you are in Christ consider the thoughts you have before you walk onto the stage. Do they align with your purpose and identity? How can you begin to change this to align with what Scripture says?
2. How can you encourage yourself and your team to surrender the different feelings you have, and focus on what God is doing or wants to do?
3. How does it make you feel to know that whatever level of ability you have now, you are called by God with a purpose to serve where you are now?

Reflection:

God is so good, He chooses to use us and allow us to be part of His plan and purpose in this world. Take some time to reflect on how God is moving in your life, and using you for His purpose. Thank Him for all He is doing in and through you. 

Prayer: 

Dear Lord,

All praise and honor belong to You. May my heart never cease to worship, and may it always be my deepest desire to glorify You.

Be with me as I serve, as I make music, and as I minister to Your people. Walk with me through the challenges of this calling and guide me as I navigate the path You have set before me. Be with me as I read Your Word—let it take root in my heart and shape my life. Help me to live in a way that is worthy of Your calling.

I praise You, Lord.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.