Dedicate
To dedicate or devote something is to give completely, without holding back. Christians give their time, energy, possessions-their lives-completely to God in their desire to show him that he means more to them than anything else in this world. When we dedicate something to God, we are not to ask him to return it.

In the Bible, individuals, animals and various items were permanently given to God. These people and things were given as an expression of thanks to God for his gifts and for his answers to prayer.

God takes our promises and commitments seriously. He wants us to carefully consider what we dedicate to him. For example, Paul cautioned young widows to avoid committing themselves to serve God through a lifetime of singleness because God knew their sensual desires could cause them to break their commitment.

Dedicating people to the Lord
Leviticus 21:10-12; 27:2-4
Numbers 6:12; 18:6
2 Chronicles 29:31
Dedicating things to the Lord.
Leviticus 27:14-17
Numbers 6:18
Deuteronomy 20:5
2 Samuel 8:9-12
1 Kings 8:63
2 Kings 12:17-18
1 Chronicles 26:26-28
2 Chronicles 2:4; 31:6-12
Nehemiah 3:1; 12:27
Ezekiel 43:26
Luke 21:5
Do not dedicate things "rashly."
Proverbs 20:25
Precious metals and valuable articles are dedicated to God.
2 Samuel 8:11
1 Kings 7:51; 15:15
2 Kings 12:18
1 Chronicles 26:20
Sensual desire get in the way of dedication to God.
1 Timothy 5:11-14