WHAT IS COMMITMENT?



Do we realize that thousand of churches have empty pews each Sunday? The average Sunday school attendance nationwide is 66, while the average attendance in church is 84. Only 50% of church members can be expected to attend each Sunday.

If Christians really believe in God, how can this be? The answer is that “God’s people have made a decision about Jesus ….. but they have never made a real commitment.” (Charles Stanley).

It is also true that 50 % of all marriages fail. Charles Stanley again has said that married people have made a decision to get married but have not made a commitment. They made a decision to be married, recited their vows, kissed and walked out to live not necessarily happily ever after and not necessarily together.

Has this idea pervaded the church? People have made a decision about Christ (it is easy to make a verbal decision) but have not made the necessary full spiritual commitment.

As a pilot guides his plane down the runway and gets up to take off speed, there comes a time where he does not make a decision; he is committed to get off the ground. Some people are the same way – they have made a decision about Christ but never have gotten off the ground with a commitment.

How do we make that commitment? In Romans 12:1, 2, Paul is beseeching us to make a commitment. It is entirely up to us to do that as we remember the mercies of God. Close your eyes and picture the mercies that He has extended to you.

We are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. In the Old Testament, the animal was not partially sacrificed – it was a total consummation. So should our lives be. It is not possible to be “sort of committed.”

There is a story about a pig and a hen walking down the road together. They saw a sign where a bacon and eggs breakfast was being served to help the poor. The chicken said to the pig, “we should stop and offer our assistance. “I will donate the eggs.” The pig quickly chimed in and said, “no way, any offer you make is a donation but my offer would be a total commitment.”

COMMITMENT TO PERSONAL GROWTH. In verse 2, Paul says we should “not be conformed” – we should not let ourselves adopt the fashions of this world, to be forced into its mold - “But be ye transformed.” This is an inward change which reflects and outward manifestation. This is not something you do yourself. As you present yourself to God and reflect on His mercies, you will be transformed progressively by the work of the Holy Spirit.

But it requires your cooperation. The cooperation will produce personal growth if you start a Bible reading plan and set aside a time each day to pray. Never give up learning about Him.

COMMITMENT TO THE LOCAL CHURCH. The church is the first level of commitment outside of our personal family relationships. Even with all of its faults, the church is the major avenue through which He accomplishes His work. Some see recreation, yard work, entertaining or sporting activities as necessities. They may have every intention of attending church until something else more important comes up.

COMMITMENT TO CHURCH MINISTRY. Come to church, move in and decide to stay and to get involved, using and putting your gifts to work. The Lord needs you. The church needs you. Volunteer in something that can make use your abilities.

Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to Thee,

Take my hands, and let them move, at the impulse of Thy love.