Commitment

Believe it or not, I didn't have a topic for this week's HOTM post. I have battled with writer's block for a few weeks now so I had asked the Lord to give me something to share with you but no answer. At least, that's what I had thought. I have been meditating on some things in which the Lord has been revealing to me lately. One matter in particular was that of commitment. Yes, the big C. I can see many areas in my life for improvement on this subject.

Last week, I had stumbled across a blog post concerning commitment then one of our pastors had chosen the very same topic for his sermon during the week. There was no escape! Finally, I stumbled upon some notes in my Bible from my pastor's sermon which were dated January 15, 2006 and what was the topic two years ago you ask? Commitment! Nothing happens by accident, right? So I knew this was definitely for me but I felt that I should share some of this with others as well. So I hope this will bless someone just as much as it has blessed me.

Commitment.

• is what makes a dream a reality.
• is the action that speaks louder than words.
• means making a firm choice.
• is a need and not an option. Some people only want to serve until they are treated like a servant.
• is usually discovered in the midst of adversity.
• does not depend upon gifts or abilities. It is harder for talented people to commit. They must learn to rely on God's abilities and not of their own.
• comes as a result of choice and not condition.
• lasts when it is based on values.
• gives you a chance to succeed.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24(KJV)

Why do we need to commit?

We must keep in mind that we will always have a cloud of witnesses. There is a race set before us and the race is never easy. There will be hindrances that will entangle us yet someone is always watching your spiritual walk.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith: who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and fainth in your minds. Hebrews 12:1-3(KJV)

Sometimes we tend to get so comfortable in our positions or state that we become slack in certain areas of our life. Not long ago, I had the opportunity to hear a speaker who made an interesting comparison of the people of America with other countries.

"We live in a free country with many privileges. Sometimes it appears as if we have too much freedom. Other countries are tested by hardship while Americans are tested by freedom."

It is so easy to take our freedom for granted each day. We can do what we want and when we want to do it. We can worship who and how we choose and God has placed that little thing in all of us called "will". That small little word can be such a big problem for us, can't it? Whatever you are finding as a challenge to commit, I pray that this encourages and reminds you of your first commitment above all others which is your walk in Christ.