A Heart of Commitment

Introduction

Luke 24:32 “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”

“There is a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” - Kenneth H. Blanchard

George Whitefield could possibly be considered the greatest preacher of the 18th Century. He was a thunderous voice for the Lord during the time of the Great Awakening and he preached to crowds of enormous sizes. Some historians consider Whitefield to be the greatest evangelist in history. For me, it would be hard to argue that opinion. But what made Whitefield so affective for God? Two things made George Whitefield. The Holy Spirit & a Burning Heart for Jesus Christ. In 1743 the president of Harvard issued a unanimous testimony against George Whitefield. They considered his actions inconsistent with the peace and order, if not the very being of the churches. Of what was Whitefield guilty? They charged him with enthusiasm!

It’s time for the church to be guilty of enthusiasm. We desperately need Burning Hearts for Jesus! How does this fire start? It starts with A True Heart of Commitment. Grace Baptist, it’s time for us to ask the Lord to ignite our hearts for Him. This burning starts with a surrendering of ourselves, our securities and our stresses. When we come to the place where these things are a reality then a heart of Commitment will grow within us. This heart of commitment will produce powerful effects in the lives of those who are committed. Let us look at some of these affects.

Commitment Produces a Fragrance in the Believer’s Life - you can tell when someone has been with Jesus. Their actions, attitude, attire, attentiveness and adoration glorify the Lord.

Commitment Produces a Faith in the Believer’s Life - This faith inspires others to step out and trust Jesus by faith through the Spirit of power, love and a sound mind and not through a spirit of fear, doubt and insecurity. Their testimony of God’s faithfulness inspires faith in our hearts that God can care for us.

Commitment Produces a Fervency in the Believer’s Life - passion for the Lord provokes the examination of our own heart’s spiritual condition and an assessment of our relationship with God, challenging us to take the time to draw much closer to Christ.

Commitment Produces a Fierceness in the Believer’s Life - of courage and boldness in witnessing for Christ and encouraging us to have that same kind of boldness and burden for the lost.

Commitment Produces a Fortitude in the Believer’s Life - for serving God, obeying His will, and refusing to quit or be defeated, provokes us to follow their godly example and serve the Lord too, no matter what the cost

Conclusion

Where is your commitment? Wherever your heart is, that’s where your commitment will be. What are you producing with your life? Would you fully commit to Jesus today?