Commitment
Written by Scott Anderson Wednesday, 02 June 2010 13:04
Today you can make a decision that will change the rest of your life, the quality, as well as quantity of it. As a born-again child of God we are privileged to live in covenant with Almighty God, who has promised to bless His people as they live in obedience to His Word and His Spirit. Of course this does not mean every Born-again Christian will live a blessed life, on the contrary there are many Christians who struggle through life as if there were no God in Heaven to help them. Basically they are living on their own strength and wisdom, and are subject to their flesh, emotions, impulses and of course all that the devil will bring into their lives.
Personally I do not want to be a Christian who lives a normal life, with zero supernatural assistance or power. I truly want to live in the blessing of the Most High God that Jesus Christ made possible by the shedding of His holy blood over 2 thousand years ago. What could be the difference between living in God's blessing and favor, and living a limited natural life without God's help?
I believe that "Commitment" to God and His Kingdom and the Lordship of Jesus Christ (His Word, Prayer, His People, His Church) will determine to what level of blessing you will experience in this life and the hereafter. I know this is a very scary word to some people. We, especially in the modern church do not really connect with this concept of commitment, and it shows in many areas of our lives. It shows in our health, relationships, money, spiritual disciplines, education, and especially the anointing that is accessible for our lives. There is a heavy price to pay for being uncommitted.
The truth is if you commit your life to God, God will commit to you. If we do not commit to God, He is not obligated to commit to us.
The definition of "Commitment" - The act of committing or the state of being committed. Dedication; application - (the company's commitment to quality." A pledge or undertaking - (I cannot make such a commitment at the moment.) An act of pledging or setting something aside - (There must be a major commitment of time and money.)
Pretty simple definitions, the question is what are you committed to. I know what Jesus Christ is looking for in His people, that is total commitment to Him.
2 Corinthians 8:5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.
In this verse the believers gave (committed) themselves to the Lord before they committed to the ministry. They became very powerful because of commitment. You notice there wasn't the "let's see what happens" attitude. Or "I am here until it gets difficult or costs me something." When you truly commit to God you will go through every test and trial not being tempted to bail out because of circumstance or pain. God knows He has someone He can count on and will use your life to shake nations.
On the other hand, the devil will constantly test your level of commitment, by making things as difficult and painful as possible.
In the sports world there is a term know as "The fair weather fan." This refers to the person who supports and cheers on his team only when they are winning. He is not to be found when the team is struggling or rebuilding and battling adversity.
He won't sit in the bleachers if it is cold and rainy, or even snowing. Just when things are good. You know I believe we have many "fair weather Christians" who walk the face of the earth today. Be sure that God is not pleased with this level of commitment from His people.
There are several ways a Christian can be a "fair weather Christian."
1)Â Â By only obeying God when it is easy and profitable, and possible public recognition.
2)Â Â When your church family is going through a battle and needs every hand on deck, and you are nowhere to be found.
3)Â Â One of the devils favorite tricks is to create controversy somewhere in the ministry or with the minister. If you are not committed you will scatter at the first sign of trouble. If you are committed you will stand your ground and defend the truth and God's people.
4)Â Â Some are committed right up to the money line. You know the place where you are expected to contribute consistently. It is easier to skip church then discipline your finances.
5)Â Â When it is time to discipline your flesh or carnal habits and appetites. Mark 8:34 ...He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me... Jesus Christ is expecting commitment from His disciples. Some will never commit to Christ simply because they cannot get their life prioritized and in order. "First things first."
6)Â Â I will do what everyone else is doing, no more no less.
Of course these are just a few of the commitment tests that will face believers. Once again if you settle things up front, when these things rise up you have already made your decision to walk with God all the days of your life.
We live in an hour where there is great pressure to conform to the will of the people; of course they are carnal self-seeking pleasure lovers, not God lovers whose only commitment is to themselves and their appetites. The foundation of commitment is simply this - Who will you live and die for? At what point will you tell Jesus Christ "No more?"
There is a great story in 1 Kings 18:20-40 that is worth looking into. This is the account of Elijah confronting the prophets of Baal and the wicked King Ahab.
v.21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word.
Elijah asked for a commitment, for God's people to believe in one or the other. We see here human nature at its finest, "the people answered him not a word." They thought no response (commitment) was a safe call. But their no response was answer enough. They said no to Jehovah, by remaining silent and uncommitted. This is why we as believers are taught to confess Jesus as our Lord, and live it out in our everyday lives. You must not remain silent to what you believe in and what you are called to do.
I encourage you today to be a man or woman of commitment. Commit to walking with and serving God all the days of your life. Commit to living a healthy and self-disciplined life. Make the commitment to following God's Word, and not letting anyone's opinions interfere with your faith. Great blessing and reward await the faithful committed believers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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