Dedicated, But to What or Whom?
Dedication is defined as one being entirely committed to a goal or cause, consistently investing one’s time, energy, and effort. It consists of a persistent, unwavering drive to follow through on what a person cares about most. Dedication is what shows up and pushes one forward even when things get tough. A dedicated person has a strong sense of loyalty and shows unwavering support for that organization or people to which they are devoted. That dedication is called faithfulness. When one is dedicated to something they will stand up for it and will also defend it.
As you read this, you are likely to think that this is not a bad thing. It is not, provided one is committed to the right thing or to the right being. I dare say there are many dedicated folks in this country and in many other places throughout this world. However, not every cause, nor group of folks deserves one’s undying loyalty. This does not mean we must choose only one thing to which to be dedicated. One can love and be devoted to more than one thing at a time but one will always take precedence over the others. For instance, one can be loyal to family and to country at the same time. One can also be completely loyal to family and a job simultaneously. One can also be totally dedicated to God, diligently serve Him, and still be able to fulfill our responsibilities in any other wholesome areas of life like job or family. But again, only one can be the priority.
This is where I think some folks tend to get off track. Some, erringly think they can prioritize according to their own will and still be approved of God. What did Jesus say in Matt 6:33 as He taught the Jews about the long-awaited kingdom? He taught that seeking the kingdom and the righteousness of God was to be the first thing in their lives. It should still be so today. Did not Christ in Matt 10:37-39, as He sent His twelve apostles out in the Limited Commission to preach the kingdom to Israel, also warn about proper allegiance? He also pointed out to the benefit of being truly dedicated to Christ and doing His Will. The “life” that is found is that eternal life in Christ that everyone should seek.
Then as we move to the New Testament, are not Christians directed to be dedicated to God and His Word? Was it not the teaching of the Word of God and obedience to it that made them “free from sin”? This is what the Spirit had the apostle Paul write in Rom 6:17-18. These folks had at one time ‘dedicated’ themselves to sin (were servants of sin) but then had “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” (the death, burial and resurrection of Christ). They had died to the love and practice of sin, had been buried in the watery grave of baptism, and were raised to walk in newness of life. This was initial obedience and applies to all who obey the gospel of Christ. This is also when they made commitment to God.
But let’s back up to Rom 6:13 and see what instruction these brethren received that they (and we) might remain dedicated to God. They were told to NOT yield their members to “unrighteousness” (which is sin), but rather to yield themselves to God. They (and all who have obeyed) have made a COMMITMENT to God. He offers Salvation, and as we obey the gospel, we are making a solemn VOW (promise) to remain faithful to Him that we might receive the end of our faith, (Salvation) per 1Pet 1:9. One cannot and will not receive Salvation unless or until they are totally dedicated to God FIRST. In Rom 6:16, the church in Rome was reminded in the form of a question that one can’t be dedicated, devoted or committed to sin and God at the same time. This passage also shows the final result of dedication or commitment to each one. Obedience leads to righteousness, but sin leads to death (eternal condemnation).
Perhaps some are not properly instructed about sin. 1John 3:4 tells us that “sin is the transgression of the law”. We are under God’s N.T. Law which began at Pentecost, A.D. 33 (Acts 2). If we break that law, we sin. But one also needs to know that NOT DOING what is “good” (God’s Law) is sin per Jas 4:17. Doesn’t this mean when one knows to do something according to God’s Law and they don’t do it, they are sinning, which is the same thing as breaking their commitment to God? Hasn’t such a one broken their VOW to God? How can one who is doing this rightly claim to be dedicated to Him?
The Holy Spirit had the apostle Peter, in 2Pet 1:5ff, tell these brethren to “give all diligence” to begin with their faith and add seven things to it as directed. These things are necessary, as we see in verse 8, those that had these things and abounded in them would always be fruitful in the knowledge of Christ. Verse 9 tells us those who lacked these are as the blind and have forgotten that their past sins have been washed away. In verse 10, we are reminded to “give diligence”, and then we have inspired promise of spiritual success and faithfulness. By this we can be assured that we remain continually dedicated to God.
Also, bidding false teachers and false religion God speed and going among them shows a true lack of dedication toward God per 3John vss 9-11 and is spiritual adultery. Finally in Jude vs 3, the Spirit had this servant and brother of the Lord pen Words whereby all can see and know of our dedication to God and His Word as we “earnestly contend” for the faith. May all who have obeyed the gospel be constantly reminded of the commitment we made to the Lord and may we keep Him and the following of His Word first and foremost in our lives. To do otherwise is to deny Him.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
