Commitment

Today we will be taking a look at commitment.

We will look at a definition of commitment.

We will look at how commitment fits us Biblically.

We will look at practical applications for our lives.

We will summarize and close out.

Definition

Commitment as defined in part, in the Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology and Counseling is as follows; The avowed or inferred binding dedication to a relationship based on a willful promise. Commitment is maintained by a moral obligation to loyally persist in spite of obstacles, costs, or alternative possibilities. Whether in love, friendship, marriage, work, career, moral life, or religion, commitment is a profoundly important human activity. While it is certainly related to love, it is not the same as love. Commitment, regardless of its motivational source, serves as a stabilizing influence in a relationship, and its quality is measured in terms of three basic standards. Duration, Intensity, and Priority. Duration refers to how long a person is willing to give unreserved love and support to another. Time span, however, has little to do with the quality of a relationship, which is also important to commitment. This is measured in the second stabilizing influence, intensity. This refers to the strength of feeling and depth of concern for the partner. Just as enduring relationships may be shallow, brief encounters may be intense, so this quality too is not enough. Priority must also be a part of commitment. This is the extent to which the relationship takes precedence over other matters. In essence commitment is measured by the value placed on the relationship and the willingness to take the responsibility for maintaining it.

Biblical references

(Deuteronomy 6:5) Tells us “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” This is repeated in (Matthew 22:37–40) “Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

This totality of commitment means choosing God exclusively. No one can serve two masters, as you will inevitably favor one over the other. (Matt 6:24) In whole, Matthew (6:24) tells us “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Joshua challenged Israel to decide whom they would serve, declaring, “as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” (Josh 24:15) We are also told that Following Jesus demands this same decisiveness—anyone who begins the work but looks back is unfit for God’s kingdom, (Luke 9:62) No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

And Jesus said to the disciples they must surrender their own way, take up their cross, and follow him. (Matt 16:24)

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

There’s a humorous story of a pig and a chicken discussing breakfast. The chicken says, 'Let’s make ham and eggs!' The pig replies, 'Well, for you it’s a commitment, but for me, it’s total sacrifice!' This reflects our commitment to Christ. Are we merely contributing, or are we willing to put everything on the line for Him? True commitment demands more than just participation; it calls for sacrifice.

In Luke 9:23, When Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. This passage resonates with many who have faced difficult decisions for the sake of their faith. A biblical example is Peter, who left his fishing boat to follow Jesus without knowing where it would lead. This illustrates that true commitment often requires sacrifice and stepping out in faith, encouraging us to reflect on what we are willing to give up for our relationship with Christ.

In Mark 10:21, Jesus tells the rich young ruler to sell all he has and follow Him. The ruler’s initial excitement turned to sorrow when he realized the cost of true commitment. This biblical account serves as a powerful reminder that following Christ often requires letting go of worldly attachments and comforts. It's easy to profess faith—much harder to act on it. This story challenges us to consider what we are holding back from our full commitment to Christ.

In 1 Kings 18, the prophet Elijah confronts the prophets of Baal and calls people to choose whom they will serve. This dramatic showdown illustrates commitment as he boldly stood for God, even when it was unpopular. The emotional tension of the scene highlights that true commitment requires courage to stand apart from the crowd and defend one's faith. This passage inspires us to look at our own lives and ask how we can demonstrate commitment to the God we serve.

In the book of Ruth, we see Ruth's unwavering commitment to Naomi, choosing her mother-in-law over returning to her own family. Ruth’s declaration, 'Where you go I will go; where you stay I will stay' (Ruth 1:16) reflects a profound commitment that resonates with our walk with Christ. It challenges us to ask ourselves how we are committing to God and others, emphasizing that following Christ often means making sacrifices and standing loyally by those in need.

In Acts 7:54-60, we read about Stephen, the first martyr, who stood firm in his faith even in the face of death. His commitment to Christ was unwavering as he courageously proclaimed the truth. Stephen’s beautiful final words of forgiveness towards his persecutors model how commitment to Christ can evoke extraordinary courage and grace, calling us to evaluate the depth of our commitment and to respond with Christ-like love even in difficult circumstances.

A high school student named Jess faced bullying for her Christian beliefs. Many days, she felt alone and tempted to hide her faith. One evening, during a youth group meeting, her leader spoke about the importance of being courageous in our commitment to Christ. Inspired, Jess decided to share her story at school, and she found unexpected support. Her bravery not only strengthened her faith but also encouraged others in her class to embrace their beliefs openly, illustrating how commitment can foster community.

in Holbrook we have Oasis Youth Ministries. A part of what they do is help young people to find peers with the same Christian values that they have, or peers that want to learn more about these values. Oasis is supported by several of the churches in our community.

These are all statements or descriptions of what our commitment to the Lord should be. as you spend time in The Word, you will recognize many more.

Practical application:

If you find that your faith is not being fully expressed at home, consider starting a family devotion time. Set aside one evening a week where you read Scripture, pray together, and discuss how God's Word should influence your daily lives. This commitment can help cultivate a Christ-centered environment, making it easier for family members to share their struggles and victories in faith. When everyone is encouraged to speak openly about their faith, it strengthens relationships and fosters a community of accountability.

At church, your commitment to Christ can ignite passion in others. Volunteer to lead a small group, focusing on topics like discipleship and spiritual growth. Create a space where participants can share their faith journeys, thus deepening their commitment to Christ. This not only builds bonds within the church, but also encourages those who may feel isolated or weakened in their faith to become more engaged and committed as they witness your dedication.

If you often feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures, it may seem harder to commit to Christ consistently. Designate a quiet space in your home as your personal prayer corner. Spend 10-15 minutes each day in prayer and reflection. This time of solitude will help you connect with God, bringing clarity and strength to face challenges, and reinforcing your commitment to living out your faith amidst daily distractions.

In Closing lets look at a few verses from Paul. The first is from (Philippians 3:12-14) Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

This reminds us to keep our focus forward and press toward the prize.

The second is from (2 Timothy 4:7-8) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

This reminds us to finish with faithfulness.

Summary

Along with our personal commitment to our Lord we should remember that we also need to share with others the joy and revelation we have found by accepting Jesus into our lives and let them know how they can experience the same thing in their life.

(2 Corinthians 5:17-21) tells us: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Closing Prayer (food and thanks)