Chapter 4

Dedication

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1) 

           When I was in the second year at the university, my younger sister had just entered a medical college. A famous pastor, Shekuang Chao, came from Shanghai to Hangzhou for a revival meeting. Mrs. Wu, who led me to Jesus, insisted that my mother, my younger sister and I should go to church to attend the meeting. What he preached was about Mary, who broke her alabaster jar to anoint Jesus. I was not moved at all. At the end, he said: "Whoever is willing to dedicate oneself to give attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word of the Lord, please stand up." I thought I absolutely could never dedicate myself. I felt that once you dedicated yourself that meant you gave yourself as a gift to the Lord. From then on you could no longer be your own master. Who would be willing to pray and minister the Word of the Lord for a lifetime of leading such a dry and dull life! Surprisingly, I saw my younger sister who sat before me stand up. She just believed in the Lord and she was willing to dedicate herself. Whereas I was such a blessed one who had gone through countless miracles and signs, I was also the leader of the church youth fellowship. How embarrassed I would be if I fell behind her! I had no choice but to stand up. What was worse was that the pastor then said: "Those who are willing to dedicate themselves, please walk up to platform, and I will pray for you." My younger sister went up there. What should I do? I had no choice but to follow her, though very reluctantly, just like Simon who was caught and forced to carry the Lord's cross. My dedication was against my will, but it was solemn, because I knew dedication was no joking. Once dedicated, you are forever dedicated, and you can never take it back.

As I returned home, I asked my sister: "How can you dedicate yourself to the Lord so easily?" Her answer was unforgettable for the rest of my life. She said: "Sister, if the Lord Jesus is false, why should we believe him? If He is true, why are we reluctant to dedicate ourselves to Him?" Indeed, this statement inspired me to ponder deeply.