ANSWER TO QUESTION

After a person is converted to Christ (i.e., has conformed to the instructions of Christ, Hebrews 5:8-9) that person ought to personally strive for the "prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus" --- cf., 1 Cor 9:24-27, "24Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain. > 25And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they (do it) to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

> 26I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: 27but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected. (ASV)"

Philippians 3:14, "14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (ASV).

Editor's comments:

Each person who volunteers to serve in the Lord's Church ought to do so understanding that personal loss and sacrifice might be called for. The early Christians that we read about in the New Testament after the establishment of the church on Pentecost, cf., Acts 2:38-47 surely are examples for us to imitate in these matters. The Book of Acts gives us a picture of the trials, tribulations, and difficulties that the early Christians endured. We are simply

suggesting here that there is individual commitment to do the will of God after one is converted, even until the end of life.

SOME THINGS WE OUGHT TO KNOW ABOUT DEDICATION

The dedicated Christian will be observed by others as:

Ø Kind, Ephesians 4:32-5:1 --- 32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.

1 Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children; ASV

Ø Tenderhearted, Ephesians 4:32 --- 32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you. ASV

1 Peter 3:8 --- 8 Finally, (be) ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humble minded: ASV

Ø Patient, Romans 12:12 --- 12 rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing steadfastly in prayer; ASV

James 5:7-8 --- 7 Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receive the early and latter rain.

8 Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord is at hand. ASV

Ø Longsuffering, Ephesians 4:2, --- 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Colossians 1:11 --- 11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, unto all patience and longsuffering with joy; ASV

Colossians 3:12 --- 12 Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; ASV

Ø Loving of neighbors, Romans 13:8-10 --- 8 Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law.

9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. ASV

The Lord, Matthew 22:37 --- 37 And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ASV

Of brethren, Romans 12:9-10 --- 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10 In love of the brethren be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; ASV

NOTE:

There are many facets to the Christian who is dedicated to serve that are observable to other people; these listed above are merely a sampling of the good qualities that emanate from him. These good qualities have an effect upon those that observe the dedicated Christians lifestyle. This is surely true for the Lord indicates this at cf., Matthew 5:14-15,

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do (men) light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. ASV

It is a fact that needs to be impressed on all,

The good that many Christians do is never known to them as they continue to serve God with dedication according to truth.

HAPPINESS MAY BE FOUND IN THE DEDICATED CHRISTIAN

The word faithfulness may be substituted for the word dedication as one considers the subject we are now exploring. The Word of God is full of teaching about faithfulness (i.e., dedication); please observe some of the thoughts that indicate dedication to God where the word faithfulness is used.

2 Chronicles 31:20-21,

20 And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah; and he wrought that which was good and right and faithful before Jehovah his God.

21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered. ASV

Daniel 6:4,

4 Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Daniel as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. ASV

Ephesians 6:21-22,

21 But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

22 whom I have sent unto you for this very purpose, that ye may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts. ASV

TO BE FAITHFUL (i.e., dedicated) IS TO BE HAPPY

Psalms 37:37,

37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for there is a (happy) end to the man of peace. ASV

By Garreth L. Clair Thursday, December 14, 2006

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