It Takes Commitment
Nearly fifty years ago was my first true encounter with the game of golf. Oh, I’d caddied for a few golfers, but I never engaged in playing the game until my boss invited me to join his group on a Friday afternoon. (I didn’t mind missing that afternoon at work at all!) He was an avid golfer, and his usual partners had been playing for years as well. But he knew I was a rookie and a poor one at that. He was patient with me but insistent as well that I pay attention and learn the game.
When we reached the greens one at a time, I grew fascinated with the rich color of the grass, and how short it was. Though I had seen greens when I had caddied, I never paid that much attention to them. I asked Kelly, “How do they need this grass so short and green all season long?” His quick and deliberate answer was, “They work at it!” I knew better than to ask him to detail the answer further!
That memory still intrigues me as I contemplate the subject of “commitment.” Kelly defined it for me years ago when he simply said regarding the upkeep of those greens, “They work at it.” Kelly wasn’t the type of man to allow laziness in any of his employees, and I learned he was the same with his golf game. Regardless of the activity, if it is worth doing, it is worth your total effort: i.e., it is worth working at it and being committed to that project!
Being a Christian permits no alternative to “commitment.” Jesus said, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” (Matthew 12:30) Further, Jesus said, “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) Again, Paul informs us that once we have obeyed the gospel, our lives are not our own but belong to Christ Jesus: He is the One who lives in us. (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3: 1- 17; et al) Thus, as Christians, we are “committed” to Him in all we say and do (Colossians 3:17) or we serve sin unto death (Romans 6:16).
It is amazing how many believe they can “compromise” the requirements of this commitment. Many believe “excuses” are the same as “reasons” and they are not! While we usually place Hebrews 10:25 as a “proof-text” of faithful assembling, verses 26 – 27 are the “binding force” of our commitment. “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.” (emp. mjd) Notice again: “If we sin willfully …” That marks the distinction between “excuse” and “reason.” When you know to do good and willingly neglect it, that’s sin (James 4:17). It is an excuse and not a reason (which is a situation that will not permit your adherence to the obligation/commitment.) In other words, if you avoid the commitment because you just don’t want to honor the commitment, you are using any excuse you think “justifies” your neglect. Be reminded: GOD KNOWS YOUR HEARTH … AND THEREFORE KNOWS THE MEASURE OF YOUR COMMITMENT! Is He pleased with your example of commitment?
Friend, God has never been accepting of “half-hearted” service. He has every right to expect FULL-HEARTED, WHOLE-HEARTED, FAITHFUL ALLEGIANCE, even as we often sing! Those who think themselves “exempt” from full commitment to Him and His kingdom are not only fooling themselves, but they foolishly influence others with their foolish behavior! Remember: a fool is a godless soul! See Psalms 14:1; 53:1 Their excuses, their selfishness in thinking themselves exempt, are choices made without God and His word being considered. Such decisions are wholly lustful!
No friend, it isn’t “just attendance” of which we speak. Christians must realize we are NOT members of some social club. We are members of His body – the church (1 Corinthians 12:12 – 27). Our commitment to Him is a LIFE, not a “part” of that life! Just as the fleshly body must be committed to existence in this world until that life ebbs its way from this clay existence, our souls are alive in Christ from the moment they rise to walk in newness of life (Romans 6: 1 – 6). To continue in that spiritual existence of salvation requires COMMITMENT to faithfully eat the spiritual food of His word (Hebrews 5:13 – 14), continue to walk in His light (1 John 1), and remain keenly focused on going to heaven (2 Peter 1: 1 – 11). We can’t come and go, or do and say, whatever we want when we want and still call ourselves “faithful.” That simply doesn’t work! So, how COMMITTED to Christ and His church are you?