Dedication is a pivotal word. Like almost no other factor, it helps people advance. It’s a secret ingredient to all professional and personal growth.

But one thing supersedes dedication. It’s consecration. Consecration is dedication at a transcendent level.

Consecration suggests a beautiful, voluntary surrender. It means hanging a new sign under your life or possessions, or both, that says, “Under New Management.”

And it gets spiritual. Consecration proclaims new ownership by God. It says, “What’s mine is really Yours. I want You to have back what You’ve given me -- in its best form.”

The people of Israel regularly consecrated themselves and their possessions to the LORD. And boy, did it help their focus and execution each time. It helps mine too.

As a college student, I heard these profound words: “Who you belong to makes all the difference in the world.” I’ve oft repeated them, and each time it renews. Consecration is sweet surrender.

Reflect: How’s your consecration going? To whom does your stuff and your life belong? How about your hands, your feet, your eyes and ears? What about your time, talents, treasures, hopes and dreams?

Is there anything in your life that needs to go under new management, new ownership?

A prayer to consider: LORD, I belong to You. Use me as You see fit for Your glory and my joy. A consecrated life is better. Amen.