ARE YOU LIVING UP TO YOUR DEDICATION?

HOW do athletes reach their peak performance? In tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball, track, golf, or any other sport, the best reach the top only by unwavering dedication. Physical and mental conditioning are priorities. This fits well with one of the definitions of the word "dedicated," which is "wholly committed to a particular course of thought or action."

However, what does "dedication" mean in the Biblical sense? "Dedicate" translates a Hebrew verb that has the meaning "keep separate; be separated; withdraw." In ancient Israel, High Priest Aaron wore on his turban "the holy sign of dedication," which was a shining plate of pure gold engraved with the Hebrew words for "Holiness belongs to Jehovah." That served as a reminder to the high priest that he must avoid doing anything that would profane the sanctuary "because the sign of dedication, the anointing oil of h is God, [was] upon him." -Exodus 29:6; 39:30; Leviticus 21:12.

We can see in this context that dedication is a serious matter. It implies voluntary identification as a servant of God, and it requires clean conduct. Therefore, we can appreciate why the apostle Peter quoted Jehovah as saying: "You must be holy because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15, 16) As dedicated Christians, we bear a heavy responsibility to live up to our dedication, being faithful to the end. But what is involved in Christian dedication? -Leviticus 19:2; Matthew 24:13.

After we gained accurate knowledge of Jehovah God and his purposes and of Jesus Christ and his role to those purposes, we made the personal decision to serve God with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength. (Mark 8:34; 12:30; John 17:3) that might even be viewed as a personal vow, an undeserved dedication to God. Our dedication was not made as a result of an emotional caprice. It was carefully and prayerfully thought through, using the power of reason./ We cannot be like someone who starts to plow a field and then gives up partway through because it is too much hard work or because the harvest seems to be too far off or by no means certain. Consider the examples of some who have 'put their hand to the plow' of theocratic responsibility through thick and thin. -Luke 9:62; Romans 12:1, 2.

Next time: They Did Not Renounce Their Dedication

Watchtower, 2001