Since 2015, God has given our church a Word of the Year. These words don’t just shape sermons. They shape who we become.

Last year’s word was Jubilee. It wasn’t something we were preached at, but something we experienced. Liberation. Release. Restoration. Freedom in Christ.

This year’s word comes with a sobering question.

In 2026… what will you be consumed with?

To be “consumed” can mean two very different things.

On one hand, Scripture describes God as a consuming fire. His holiness burns away sin, disobedience, and everything that cannot stand. That fire is meant to be feared, revered, and respected.

On the other hand, we know what it feels like to be consumed in unhealthy ways. Consumed by work, stress, emotions, relationships, social media, money, anger, grief, or fear. When something other than God takes over our focus, it slowly drains us. Spiritually. Emotionally. Mentally. Physically.

David said it plainly

“My life is consumed by anguish… I am wasting away from within.”

Here’s the hard truth

We don’t drift into that kind of consumption.

We allow it.

But “consumed” isn’t just a warning. It’s also an invitation.

Throughout Scripture, when God’s fire consumed a sacrifice, it marked moments of purification, completion, victory, and transformation. The fire didn’t destroy what was offered. It made it holy.

So how do we choose to be consumed by God?

• By being wholly dedicated, allowing God to heal our broken places until we are whole

• By serving Him with reverence and awe, taking His holiness seriously

• By living humble and surrendered, like a candle created to be consumed by the flame

• By consistently offering our lives as a sacrifice, not just our words

We were never meant to be halfhearted believers or distracted followers.

We were made to be consumed by God.

So the question still stands

And it’s one we all have to answer.

What will you be consumed with in 2026?