WHERE WILL YOUR COMMITMENTS TAKE YOU?
“So let’s keep focused on the goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision – you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it!”
(Philippians 3:15-16 The Message)
We need to bring ourselves to realize on a daily basis that nothing shapes our lives more than the commitments we choose to make. Our commitments can develop us or destroy us, but either way, they will define us. Tell me what you are committed to, and I’ll tell you what you will be at the end of the next ten years. The fact is, we become what ever we are committed to.
It is often at the point of commitment that many believers miss God’s purpose and destiny, and certainly His best, for their lives. Some are afraid to commit to anything and so they will just drift through life often ending up with major regrets. Others make half-hearted commitments choosing to submit themselves to competing values. These folks often face major frustration and end up with mediocrity in their lives never seeing the fullness of God’s intentions fulfilled in them. Still others will make a full commitment to worldly goals, such as becoming wealthy or famous, only to end up feeling empty, disappointed, and bitter when they find these things don’t fully satisfy. Then there will be believers who will choose to sell out for God, making Him, His kingdom and purpose, their goals. They will find fullness of joy, satisfaction, security, and untold blessings as each day unfolds.
Let’s remember that every choice and commitment we make has eternal consequences – therefore we need to be choosing and making commitments wisely. The Apostle Peter warns us, “Since everything around us is going to melt away, what holy, godly lives you should be living!” (2 Peter 3:11). Remember, spiritual growth is not automatic. It takes an intentional commitment. Discipleship – which is the disciplined process of becoming like Christ – begins with a commitment to follow Jesus no matter where He leads and to remain true to that commitment in all the choices we make.
Take a moment to consider where you are at in your thinking right now regarding this year that is still beginning to unfold. Just what are you committed to?? Perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate, discarding some areas and making fresh commitments in alignment with Him, His kingdom, and purpose for your life. The Psalmist said, “Commit your ways to the Lord. Trust also in Him. And He shall bring it to pass!” (Psalm 37:5). Let Jesus shape your life. Can you even begin to imagine what your life will be like in ten years, or even at the end of this year, if you make a full, fresh, and complete commitment to Him today? Perhaps it’s time for all of us to pray the prayer found in that chorus that says…..
Lord I give you my heart, I give you my soul
I’ll live for you alone
Every breath that I take, every moment I’m awake
Lord, have your way in me
Yeah….let’s be committed to that!!
“The steps of a good man (or woman) are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His descendants begging bread!”
(Psalm 37:23-25)