Commitment - Part 2 (February 16, 2009)

Continued from the last blog……..

So how do we keep from going down this slippery slope? To develop and grow in our commitment, we must understand the following about the nature of commitment and how it flourishes:

1. Commitment starts in the heart. It starts with our mind and emotions before it affects our will (our actions).
2. Commitment is then tested by action. Talk is cheap, actions are costly.
3. Commitment opens the door for accomplishment. Once you commit yourself, God will bring all kinds of resources into your life (often in the form of other committed people) to help you succeed. This reinforces our commitment.
4. Commitment can be measured. Take a look at your calendar, your checkbook, and your relationships to see where your commitments lie.
5. Commitment enables a person to make wise decisions. When you know what your commitments are, decisions become clear and easy.
6. Commitment flourishes with public accountability. Tell people where you stand and you develop a built in accountability system. People expect you to act in a certain way. No one wants to be accused of being a hypocrite!
7. Commitment multiplies in the lives of others. People passionately follow people who are passionate about what they believe in – and the commitment grows.

Now let's take a look at person whose huge faith was an outgrowth of his commitments. We read about the life of Stephen in Acts 6:8 – 7:60. This is a man who is not recorded as having SAID he was willing to die for what he believed in, BUT HE DID. What made the difference?

1. Stephen had the presence of God in his life (Acts 6:8,15).
2. He based his commitment on a Biblical foundation (7:2-38).
3. He saw the error in others’ thinking (7:39-41).
4. He kept his eyes on the truth – Jesus (7:55).
5. He maintained His perspective (7:60).

His commitment moved way past the mind and emotions and into his will where it was lived out in his actions. As a result, we see that the Gospel began spreading beyond Jerusalem and impacted the lives of many others. Phillip was one such man. When Stephen was stoned, Phillip fled Jerusalem and headed to Samaria where his commitment to preaching the Gospel led to the salvation of thousands (Acts 8:5-8) and began changing the world. So we see the result of commitment in its fullest form is its own multiplication in the lives of others.

Of course, the greatest example of all of commitment was Jesus leaving His heavenly throne, taking on the form of a puny human being, enduring life on earth for 33 years, then willingly suffering and dying on the cross for us, 'But God demonstrates His own love for us, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us', Romans 5:8. He didn't have to, but He did anyway.

Your ability to stay committed in one area of your life will affect your ability in other areas as well. Trust me, I know. In college, and the years that followed, I floundered in my faith. After marrying my wife, whom I loved dearly with all my heart, I failed in my commitment to her as well.

So let me encourage you to learn how to grow your commitment, even in the face of adversity and nay-sayers. It will please God (and you'll get immediate blessings from that). It will impact others as they witness your commitment (it may change their lives). And you'll grow in your ability to be committed in other areas of your life - for a lifetime!

Please comment below or email me at csonger@new-communitychurch.org