Are You Dedicated?

The word dedication is defined as “to set apart for a scared or solemn purpose; to give one’s self wholly or earnestly to some person, concept, work or duty.”  Devotion conveys the same thought as the word dedication.  Dedication is one of the most admiral qualities which any individual can possess. 

Dedication is needed in every aspect of our human existence.  Businesses and factories are interested in hiring dedicated men and women who are willing to do their jobs well.  Every community needs dedicated citizens who are concerned about the welfare of their schools and the individuals who live in the community.  We need dedicated men and women in the government who are more concerned about the people they serve than themselves, and who recognize their duty and responsibility to the people they serve.  In the home we need dedicated parents who love and care for the needs of their children.  Both husbands and wives need to be devoted to each other and satisfying the needs of one another. 

The most important relationship in man’s life is his relationship to God, our creator and sustainer.  God demands dedication from anyone who would be one of his children.  Jesus Christ taught, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. "For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it” (Luke 9:23-24).  The cross represents the sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross of Calvary in order that mankind might have a remedy for their sins.

What kind of dedication does God desire from his children?

“Let Him Deny Himself”

Jesus Christ left the glories of Heaven and came to earth as a man in order to die a cruel and shameful death upon a cross for the sins of mankind.  Jesus came to earth for no personal gain or glory.  Jesus demands that his disciples be willing to deny themselves to demonstrate their devotion and dedication to him.  This dedication turns the controls for man’s life over to Jesus.  The disciples of Christ are dedicated to following Christ’s complete will.  Man’s dedication to the service of Christ is to be the most important aspect of his life.

“Take Up His Cross Daily”

Each individual upon this earth has their own “cross” to bear.  The cross represents the challenges, difficulties, and sacrifices that an individual must make and triumph over in order to serve Jesus Christ.  Mankind must bear his cross “daily.”  The ultimate sacrifice would be giving of one’s life for his service to Christ.  Christ said that the one who gives his life for Christ will gain eternal life in the life to come.

“Follow Me”

Jesus’ life was upon this earth was one of the highest dedication.  Jesus came to this earth only for the purpose of doing his Father’s will.  Jesus Christ set a noble example for mankind to follow.  Man’s goal while upon this earth should be to know and understand God’s will for mankind and our dedication should be to follow and practice God’s will in all things.