It seems that half of any battle in a debate is making sure that the terminology is understood by all parties. The same is true when attempting to describe commitment. Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (cp. Matthew 16:24). Said a slightly different way, Matthew records, “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 10:38-39). Denying oneself and taking up your cross would be commitment, and this means being truly dedicated to a cause. It is a life full of love, dedication, and sacrifice.
Jesus furthermore said that anyone who offers excuses having been called to discipleship is not worthy. He said in Luke 9:62, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” He said a few chapters later that anyone who becomes a disciple has to count the cost of entry. He remarked, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost … So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:28, 33).
Instead of defining commitment, seeing how commitment makes you act is extremely powerful. If you want to be more committed, then make yourself like these distinct examples. Perhaps what is most encouraging is that these examples are easily within reach for any Christian.
- Commitment is Bible class teachers visiting the homes of unsaved parents.
- Commitment is parents and children making sure the way of Christ is made plain at home through word and example.
- Commitment is a high school student looking for unsaved teenagers among the hundreds he or she sees at school each day.
- Commitment is a church member who is willing to visit to show the beauty of Jesus in them.
- Commitment is neighbors inviting unsaved friends for coffee and for conversation which gets around to spiritual matters.
- Commitment is a teacher leading their class to visit, care, and serve others.
- Commitment is a church member praying daily about an indifferent friend.
- Commitment is a Christian couple cultivating a new friendship and recognizing the possibility of teaching the gospel.
- Commitment is every Christian finding a place of service in the church and putting Christ first in their life.
In a society where everything is easy and simple, we want religion to follow the same mold. In order to attract people, religious leaders want to present the gospel as something which will not require a major change of life.
Christians have followed suit and put everything in front of full devotion to spiritual causes. I don’t mean that you have to live a monastic lifestyle, never enjoying the pleasures of life, but realize the ramifications of putting your work, recreation, or family in front of God. You’ll look back later, wishing for a different outcome. But like Esau, you will cry bitterly for change but it will not happen (Hebrews 12:17). Full dedication to God will bring a more satisfied life for yourself and a more exemplary life for the people around you trying to serve God.
Kyle Campbell
