What The Bible Says About Commitment And Why It Matters

Have you ever had a certain habit or trait or topic mentioned so many times that you know the Holy Spirit is working on your heart? You hear a sermon message about it, it's on your new favorite podcast, your daily Scripture reading mentions it again, and it's even in your Instagram feed ... repeatedly.

The Holy Spirit never claimed to be subtle. Apparently I don't need subtlety.

For me lately, it's been the theme of commitment. Whether it's in marriage, in the workplace, in the church family, or in everyday life, commitment is the foundation of what we bring to the table. Nothing succeeds by accident, because everything just happened to fall into place. We are blessed exceeding abundantly above because we've committed ourselves to the work before us.

But what's standing in our way? An enemy who wants to hinder us and keep us from doing what the Lord has called us to do. If we stay committed, he has more work ahead of him - if we're lackadaisical going through life, he doesn't have to worry about us accomplishing anything for the cause of Christ. So how does he do that? 1. Praise of men. 2. Laziness.

Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 12:42-43

Fewer Pharisees believed in Jesus Christ as Savior because they were more concerned about what the other Jews thought of them than what God thought of them. The praise of men seemed better than spending all eternity with their Heavenly Father.

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Hebrews 2:1

We drop things because we don't have a tight hold on them. Our grip slips and suddenly we're hearing the crash and picking up the pieces. It's easy to get distracted by the stuff of the world around us, but we lose our effectiveness when we're pulled away from God by anything that's not of Him.

So what is at the core of our commitment to the Lord? How do we grow and change and mature in our relationship with Him so we're not blown about by whatever comes along?

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Deuteronomy 6:5

Our love for God should outshine everything and everyone else in our lives. People are wonderful and stuff is great, but we'll never be committed to Him like we should if He doesn't have the preeminence. But that doesn't mean we ignore people and things and live like a hermit for the rest of our lives. Absolutely not. But it does mean that our love for God consumes our whole existence and permeates the motivation behind what we do and who we care for.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

If there is sin in our lives, we can't be used by God like we could be. Purging all that at the foot of the cross helps us start fresh new a clean heart and a new attitude about our calling. It also puts us back in right standing with God, and we can enjoy a deeper, more communicative relationship than ever and have the desire to live a holy life in His name.

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Ecclesiastes 9:10

We have no idea how long we have on this earth, and that alone should be motivation to live every single day the way the Lord would have us live. You and I may have very different work to do - callings and gifts and purposes given by God alone - but we're doing them for the same reason and with the same heart. We're to make the most of the time we're here, occupying until Jesus comes or we're called home. That's why we exist, why we weren't taken to heaven the moment we were saved. God has things for us to do here for Him.

The Holy Spirit is calling each of us today, drawing us to Himself and asking us to up our commitment level in the days and weeks to come. Whatever today brings, let us do it with our whole hearts, with a gentle spirit, and with an attitude that reflects Him. Then we'll rest well tonight knowing that we were responsive to His call and accomplished His will for this one day. Then repeat. And repeat. And repeat.

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