74. Radical Commitment. Galatians 2:20.

Many people today want to get as much as they can for themselves while giving as little in return as possible. They want to be there for their friends in the good times, but absent in the not-so good ones. Sadly, national statistics confirm this lack of commitment The marriage rate is down, while the divorce rate is up. Involvement in ministry and worthy causes that help the needy are all down. Why? Because people don’t want to put themselves on the line, or be pinned down by responsibility. We often view opportunities to serve others as obligations, therefore we avoid them. We are a generation with a short attention span accustomed to fifteen-second advertisements and fast-food. We want our sermons to be simple, entertaining and to leave us feeling good. Yes, radical commitment is rare- but it’s what God requires of you and me. Commitment means your promise is binding whether it’s convenient or not. Here’s one example; Commitment to marriage. Marriage as God sees it, isn’t a fifty-fifty arrangement. It’s a mutual agreement to give one hundred per cent of ourselves. It’s a lifetime covenant between you and your spouse; for better or worse; ‘for richer or poorer; in sickness and in health; until parted by death.’ And that covenant is a lot easier to live up to when both parties have learned, like Paul, ‘I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.(Galatians 2:20) That means dying to self interest is the key to great relationships. In (Luke 9:23) Jesus said; “Give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” So here are three Bible examples of radical commitment which will help you to do this. (1) Commitment on the job. In the past, employers appreciated their workers, and workers valued their employers and their jobs. Today’s workplace is often adversarial, with employees criticising their bosses and doing the very minimum required to get by, while many bosses have become increasingly demanding, and taking their workers for granted. This isn’t God’s way. His way calls for mutual commitment between management and labour. Paul says in (Ephesians 6.5:8) ”Obey your human masters...as though you were serving Christ...Do your work... cheerfully, as though you were serving the Lord, and not merely human beings.” (2) Commitment at your church. Many Christians have adopted a cafeteria-style approach towards church, we pick what we like and leave what we don’t but membership in God’s church involves a covenant relationship with a body of believers who watch over, cherish and pray for one another and fulfil the great commission together. You just have to read 1Correnthians (12;12-31) and see what Paul is talking about there. (3) Commitment to Christ. Jesus Christ is not looking for “wishy-washy” “lukewarm” followers see Revelation (3:16) “So because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Jesus told the crowed “If any of you wants to be my follower you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross DAILY, and follow me. That means we no longer follow our own wishes and wills, we follow Christ and His will. That is Radical Commitment and we, as Christians are all called to it. Over the last fifty years or so as Christian ethics, principles and values have been slowly dispensed with, so too have the fruit of the Spirit become less evident in our modern society. In this day and age words such as Commitment, Loyalty, Trust, honesty and reliability are almost non existent. And one is considered a fool if they try to uphold and live by such principles. However, I believe they are a big part of the love Commandment, and if we Christians are seen to be upholding them and living by them, THEN perhaps we too will hear people say “See how these Christians love one another” and want some of the wonderful treasure that we possess. Thank you for reading my thoughts on “Radical Commitment” The wondering sheep need shepherding and Jesus is the “Good Shepherd” so let’s do all we can to bring them to Him as He blesses our efforts. Phaline. --------------------------------