DEDICATION TO GOD
Sunday, I had the privilege of attending the US Naval Academy’s Baccalaureate Chapel. The grounds
of the Academy and the chapel are beautiful. With the Chesapeake Bay at its doorstep and the great
history of the school, one leaves with much admiration. But the inspiration I felt didn’t come from these
physical and historical attributes. It came from an act at the end of the chapel service.
As Navy Chaplain Wiegelt completed his rousing message on the topic of inspiration, he invited the
graduating class of 2012 to the center of this soaring 1800 seat chapel to sign a book dedicating their
Navy service to God. Approximately 125 “Firsties” as they are called, dressed in their white uniforms
walked to the center of the chapel as the rest of us looked on and demonstrated their love for God by
placing their signature in this book, a Navy tradition.
I found this act both inspiring and sobering. It reminded me of my personal need on a daily basis to be
dedicated to God and his truth.
These young men and women made a tremendous commitment last Sunday. I am certain that God will
honor them for it. The Bible asks us not just to read about the truth and God but to make a commitment
to him and to the live the virtues spoken of in its pages. Have you made this dedication in your life?
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you
will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites,
in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24.15