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Commitment is a popular word in religious circles. But
don't forget that commitment is a two-edged sword. When
you commit yourself to God, you commit yourself to obey
Him -- with commitment comes responsibility.
What is Commitment?
In simplest terms, a commitment is "something pledged."
A parent promises to give a child candy after dinner --
that is a commitment. A girl promises to go on a date with
a boy -- that is a commitment. God promises eternal life
to the faithful -- that is a commitment.
Our Commitment to Jesus
Although the word commitment does not appear in the Bible,
Jesus reveals our commitment as His disciples. "If anyone
comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife
and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life
also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear
his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple" (Lk.
14:26-27).
We must love Jesus above everything and everyone on earth
-- we must put Him first. Jesus says, "If anyone desires
to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his
cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life
will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will
find it. For what is a man profited if he gains the whole
world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in
exchange for his soul" (Matt. 16:24-26)?
Jesus' Was Committed Upon Earth
Jesus requires a total, complete, sacrificial commitment
from people who desire to be His disciples. But at the same
time, Jesus has shown us the way to salvation by living
the committed life He requires of us.
Jesus is therefore a sympathetic High Priest (Heb. 4:14-16),
leaving us an example of total commitment to God, "Who committed
no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth; who, when He was
reviled, did not revile in turn; when He suffered, He did
not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously"
(1 Pet. 2:22-23).
Thus, Jesus demonstrated commitment. He committed Himself
to God by living righteously, and by suffering in order
to bear our sins upon the cross -- by His stripes we've
been healed (1 Pet. 2:24).
Jesus Committed Himself to God in Death
With His last words and final breaths, Jesus committed Himself
to God -- complete and endless commitment while suffering
on the cross.
Moments before giving up His spirit, Jesus said, "Father,
into your hands I commit My spirit" (Lk. 23:46). He committed
Himself to God, who judges righteously (1 Pet. 2:23).
Jesus Has Shown Us The Way
Jesus has shown us the way to salvation. "He became the
author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him" (Heb. 5:9)
-- "the author and finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:2).
We're committed to either Jesus or the world.
To whom are you committed? Are you committed to Christ?
Have you entrusted yourself to God?
If I'm committed to God
I'll put Him first.
I'll serve Him in everything I do.
I'll entrust myself to Him and His judgment.
I'll busily work in His kingdom, without distraction from
the world.
I'll trust Him, rather than worry about things I can't control.
I'll cast my cares upon Him, and trust Him to deal with
my problems.
I won't be afraid to die -- God will take care of me, and
my loved ones.
I'll live in heaven for eternity.
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