Dedicated To The Lord
There are a few times in the Bible where a person or people were dedicated to
the Lord. Hannah prayed fervently that she could have a child, and when she
did, she brought the child to Eli and said this child is dedicated to the Lord
(1 Samuel 1:28).
We see some occasions when something was dedicated in the scripture. When the
temple was completed under the leadership of Solomon, there was a great ceremony
to dedicate the temple (1 Kings 8). On occasion we may hear of a sort of dedication
taking place even today. The idea behind a dedication is to advise the world
that a facility was built for the Lord and the purpose is to do what the Lord
desires. Of course a broader application could be made if there is a specific
purpose for the building. We have even heard of a highway being dedicated in
an official ceremony.
If one was to look up in a dictionary the meaning of the word "dedication"
they would find this: "the quality of being dedicated or committed to a
task or purpose".
What I really find intriguing are the synonyms that the dictionary offers. These
are supposed to help those trying to understand the meaning of the word by offering
a similar and familiar phrase that is already understood which helps them learn
very close to what it means.
Here are the synonyms offered by my dictionary: commitment; application; diligence;
industry; resolve; enthusiasm; zeal; perseverance; persistence; tenacity; drive;
staying power; hard work; effort; devotion; loyalty; allegiance; and adherence.
Every one of these words represents a character application. Each of these words
carries
the idea that every effort is needed to serve God. Every Christian has probably
heard many times that these are the qualities we should exhibit to the world
and to each other. A few of these words are not normally used in our everyday
language, so you might find it hard to grasp what it means without some help
from a dictionary. See what i mean?
This dedication seems to be a concept that many followers seem to have forgotten.
Most people serve God only as long as it is convenient or working towards their
own personal goals. Often, God is forgotten and the focus becomes: "it
is all about me". It is much more than just saying: "I love Jesus".
The idea is that "I love Jesus so much, that nothing will keep me from
loving Him".
There are passages throughout the New Testament that instruct us to apply these
things to our faith and daily walk. Some of these instruct us how to walk before
the Lord, and some offer the attitude we should have when we walk before the
Lord.
It would be a good idea if each and every one of us would evaluate our dedication
to the Lord. We can ask ourselves questions, such as: "Do I persevere in
my service to God?"; "Do I demonstrate an excitement about my service
to the Lord?" "Will I stay committed until the end?". Our list
of questions can go on and on.
Throughout Bible history we have the record of those dedicated to the Lord.
The important question is: "Will you be one of those people?" Why
not learn more about dedication and apply it to yourself.
By Carey Scott
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