WHY DEDICATE YOURSELF TO JEHOVAH?

 The main reason you dedicate yourself to Jehovah is that you love him. Your love is not based on emotion alone. Rather, it is rooted in "accurate knowledge" and spiritual comprehension"-the things that you learned about Jehovah that caused your love for him to grow. (Colossians 1:9) Your study of the Scriptures has convinced you (1) that Jehovah is real, (2) that the Bible is his inspired Word, and (3) that he uses his organization to accomplish his will.

Those who dedicate themselves to Jehovah should know the basic teachings found in God's Word and be in living harmony with its standards.  They share their faith with others to the extent that their circumstances allow. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Their love for Jehovah has grown and their heartfelt desire is to give him exclusive devotion. It that not so of you?  Having this kind of love, you will not view dedication and baptism as something you do just because you want to please your Bible teacher or your parents; nor do you view it as something you do to fit in with your friends.

The decision to dedicate yourself to Jehovah is only natural when you think of all that he has done for you. (Read Psalm 116:12-14.) The Bible rightly calls Jehovah the Giver of "every good gift and every perfect present." (James 1:17) The greatest of those gifts is the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus.  Just think! the ransom made it possible for you to have a close relationship with Jehovah.  And he has given you the prospect of living forever. (1 John 4:9, 10, 19) Dedicating yourself to Jehovah is a way to show your appreciation for the greatest expression of love ever made, along with other blessings Jehovah has given you. (Deuteronomy 16:17; 2 Corinthians 5:15) Such appreciation is highlighted in lesson 46 point 4, of the Enjoy Life Forever! book, which includes the three-minute video Presenting Gifts to God. 

Next time: ARE YOU READY FOR DEDICATION AND BAPTISM?

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