To Commit or Not to Commit

Question: In a bacon-and-egg breakfast, what’s the difference between being involved and being committed? Answer: The chicken is involved, but the pig is totally committed!

Obviously, we need “involved” people, but more importantly, we need highly committed people. Unfortunately, many Christians are selling the virtue of commitment short. For example, many Christians are short-circuiting regular attendance in worship. At one time, an ‘active’ worship attendee meant attending three or four times a month. Now, ‘active’ means attending church for any reason once or twice a month or “When I can get there!”

Nobody ever said commitment is easy. Yet, many people complain about having to carry through with something to which they have committed. It is easy to make a commitment; it is harder to carry it through.

When commitment becomes an inconvenience, we can easily default on it. Committing to take your child to Upward Basketball practice and game day will quickly get tested by job demands or just plain inconvenience. You have to decide whether to stay committed to your promises or not.

Sadly, many Christians too easily choose to not follow through on their commitments. The ministry they signed up for has become too demanding or isn’t as fun as they thought it would be. Many are second-guessing their commitment when they realize it always requires a sacrifice.

Maybe you made a commitment to follow Jesus, but you didn’t plan on how much it would cost you. Maybe you joined a weekly small group, but now it interferes with something else you want to do and you are reconsidering your commitment. For the real disciple of Jesus, commitment becomes a lifestyle. Yes, it is inconvenient, and serving Christ as Lord of our lives is demanding.

When your commitment is inconvenient, keep your eye on the goal. Are you a better person as a Christ-follower? Are you making significant contributions to others? Are you experiencing Christ in your daily walk? Are you growing in faith? Are you hopeful about eternity? Commitment has its benefits.

My hope is that you are taking your commitments to your family, church, and job seriously. Your commitments should become a priority in your discipleship. I hope you are not so discouraged or lackadaisical that your commitments mean little to you.

As we have just celebrated Easter, we are reminded that the commitment of Jesus to us was absolute. He went to the cross to die for our sins, and He arose to offer us a new kind of life. He didn’t waver. He didn’t wimp out. No! He gave all of Himself so that we can experience union with Him.

So, as a disciple, let’s give commitment our best shot. When we back out of our commitments because they are too hard or inconvenient, we are trying to live the Christian life in our own strength, not in the wisdom, power, and guidance of the Holy Spirit.