[355 words]
I have an affinity for big trucks of all kinds. My daddy was a truck driver most of his life, picking up “canned milk” in the 1950’s to delivering feed to farmers in the 1960’s and 1970’s, then back to picking up milk in a tandem tank truck in the late 1970’s. As a little boy, I was allowed to ride with him as we visited dairy farms, and I loved it! As an adult, I am working towards achieving credentials so I can drive commercially soon. Thanks to my dad, I have a connection to the transport business. Hence, while driving, I will see a commercial truck hard at work and on the door I will occasionally see this word: Dedicated. This generally means the owner of the truck is only working for one particular business or vendor. Meaning, they are not for hire. This word on the door makes it clear that truck is not available. However, having “dedicated” on the door sends the message, “I have a job to do and I will not be detracted from it.”
As Christians, we, too, have a mission which requires dedication. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Our dedication requires:
1. Growing in knowledge (2 Peter 3:18).
2. Building the traits God expects (2 Peter 1:5-11).
3. Work (1 Corinthians 15:58).
4. Praying for wisdom (James 1:5-6).
5. Worshiping God (Hebrews 10:25).
6. Following Christ (John 14:1-6).
While we may not have the word “dedicated” on the door of our vehicle or on our shirts, by our behavior, it is obvious where we are “dedicated.” May we seek to be so committed as Christians, that those around us know we have a job to do and we will not be detracted from it.
Allen Jones
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY