If you're anything like me, commitment to your ideals is often hard to maintain. There are plenty of 'distractions' and forces in our society that run contrary to what you believe.
Commitment is a funny thing. Whether it is commitment to your faith, to your family, or to your spouse (someday), it is never stagnant. Commitment is either growing or shrinking. Let's look at a couple examples. First, let's see what a shrinking commitment looks like (you know, like when you begin to compromise your own beliefs in front of your friends). Read the story of Peter’s commitment to Christ in Luke 22:31-34 & 54-62. This is the guy who said he would die for Christ (and I am sure he meant it). Yet, when things got tough we see his commitment shrinking. When our commitment drains away, we follow the same progression as Peter.....
1. His commitment to following Jesus became distant (Luke 22:54). Contrast this with Jesus' expectation regarding our following in Matthew 16:24. Peter is still following Christ, but incognito. He is no longer ready to die for Christ as he had emphatically stated earlier. He is starting to slip.
2. His fellowship became divided. In Luke 22:55 it says “Peter sat among them.” Now the guilty disciple is mixing with an uncommitted crowd. He is becoming ‘a man without a country’. Ever feel that way - like your allegiances are becoming divided?
3. His faith became deluded (Luke 22:57). He denies Christ. His words now reveal his weakness, even among men and women who pose no immediate threat to him. In your own life, has there ever been a situation where you know you should have spoken up about your faith, taken a stand, but decided it would be easier to just remain silent?
4. His fervor has become denial (Luke 232:60). Peter now rejects having had any association with Jesus. His words no longer display apathy, but open rejection. Now you may say - I would never do that. OK, perhaps you're not at this stage......yet. But if the prior steps are true for you, you may be well on your way here.
Peter’s digression was fast. For most of us, the process is the same, just not as rapid – which makes it all the more dangerous. When the slippage in your faith occurs over a longer period of time, you don’t notice it as much. Yet, after it has happened over a longer period of time, you have become so set in your ways and your apathy, that you have an even harder time reversing the trend. Dangerous stuff!
So how do we keep from going down this slippery slope? I’ll tell you in my next blog entry!
Please comment below or email me at csonger@new-communitychurch.org
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment