WHAT IS DEDICATION?

 In the Bible, dedication signifies a setting apart for a sacred purpose. The Israelites were a nation dedicated to Jehovah. But some individuals were dedicated to Jehovah in a special way. For example, Aaron wore a "holy sign of dedication"-a shiny gold plate on the front of his turban. That gold plate indicated that he was set apart to serve in a special capacity-as Israel's high priest. (Leviticus 8:9) The Nazarites too were dedicated to Jehovah is a special way. The word "Nazarite," which comes from the Hebrew word nazir,' means "Separated One," or "Dedicated One," Nazarites were to live by the restrictions that were set out for them in the Mosaic Law. - NUMBERS 6:2-8.

When you dedicate yourself to Jehovah, you choose to become a disciple of Jesus Christ and make the doing of God's will the most important thing in your life. What will Christian dedication require of you? Jesus said: "If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself." (Matthew 16:24) The Greek phrase translated "let him disown himself" can also be rendered "He must say no to himself." As a dedicated servant of Jehovah, you will need to say no to anything that conflicts with his will. (2 Corinthians 5:14, 15) That includes saying no to "the works of the flesh," such as sexual immorality. (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:18) Will such restrictions make your life difficult? Not if you love Jehovah and are convinced that his laws are for your ow good. (Psalm 119:97; Isaiah 48:17, 18) A brother named Nicholas puts it this way," you can view Jehovah's standards either like the bars of a prison that keep you from doing what you want to do or like the bars of a lion cage that protect you from danger." 

How do you dedicate yourself to Jehovah? You promise him in prayer that you will worship only him and that you will put his will first in your life. Really, you are promising Jehovah that you will continue to love him "with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength."  (Mark 12:30) Your dedication is made in private, between you and Jehovah. In contrast, baptism is public; it shows onlookers that you have made a dedication. Your dedication is a sacred vow, and Jehovah expects you to live up to it, just as you expect that of yourself. - ECCLESIASTES 5:4, 5. 

Next time: WHY DEDICATE YOURSELF TO JEHOVAH?

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