Sometimes we are given the impression that to commit to something means that we will most certainly be missing out on something else MORE valuable.
In childhood, committing to tidying your room may make you think that you are missing out on play time.
In your youth, committing time to studies may make you feel like you will miss out on being with friends or keeping up with the latest trend.
In your adulthood, committing to work, or family, may make you feel like you are sacrificing one for the other.
You get the point.
It’s not black and white.
To a degree it’s true, Commitment = Sacrifice, but it’s not as black and white as that. You see, commitment is when you prioritise the thing that you know will be of more lasting importance in the long run.
Think back to a time when you prioritised your studies over going out with your friends. In the moment it may have felt like a loss, like you were missing out on some fun, but in the long run you were able to pass a test that you may have failed and move forward in your education.
This is not to say you should ALWAYS prioritise work over fun. There is a time for everything, and there is a place for being committed to your social life as well (in fact, this is highly recommended).
Commit to the RIGHT things.
The point is, you have to make sure that you are committed to the RIGHT things at the RIGHT time.
It’s certain that every one of you reading this can think of a time when you chose to commit to the wrong thing. Now, looking back, you regret the decisions you made because it inconvenienced your bigger picture in the future.
Wisdom is our friend.
Wisdom is our friend during the times when we face decisions about what we prioritise.
Wisdom is like a pair of glasses—when you equip it, everything becomes clearer. You get a bigger a view of the situation.
When it’s time to make those life decisions, look at your choices through the lens of wisdom.
Ask yourself questions like:
Which of these choices have the most benefit?
Which of these choices are best in serving the kingdom of God?*
Which of these choices will build me and my family up?
Which of these choices is the kindest?
*If you have already made a commitment to Christ, then you need to start making choices that show that commitment.
Once you have the answers to your questions, make your choice.
What is being committed anyway?
Committed adj.
Pledged or bound to a certain course, dedicated.
Sounds massive, doesn’t it?
And sometimes it is. Marriage for example…HUGE COMMITMENT. Other times the commitment is smaller, but still important–like making sure that you get through that pile of washing so that you have clean clothes to wear next week.
When you make a commitment, you are saying, ‘I’m going to see this through to the end.’ And whether that is to the end of your life, like marriage, or the end of the week, like your washing, it’s important!
You’ve made this commitment because, through wisdom, you have decided it is valuable in your life. Therefore, it is essential that you see it through to the end. Complete the mission you have set for yourself and reap the rewards!
Make a record of your reasons.
If things start getting difficult, it’s easy to lose sight of why we made commitments in the first place. This is why it’s good to make an account of your reasons when you make the decision to commit to something.
For example:
You have committed to walking at least half an hour every day because you have learned that moving your body regularly is key to a healthy lifestyle and mental wellbeing, especially during this pandemic when you are at home and sedentary for most of the day. However, it’s been raining the whole week! You don’t feel like going for walks in the rain. How do you stay committed?
First of all, look back to your reasons for making this decision. Oh yeah, ‘healthy lifestyle & mental wellbeing’. Then, find ways to get round the difficulty–Get your wellies and raincoat on, or do some jogging on the spot or use a skipping rope in the home.
Reap the rewards!
At the end of the day, we make commitments because we think something good will come from them. In the last example, the reward was good health. In marriage, the reward is a partner for life and children, and extended family. Every commitment has an outcome, and if we stay committed that outcome is often VERY rewarding.
The commitment = the reward:
Committed to your friends and family = The trust and respect of your friends and family
Committed to your job = Great work ethic, quality work output
Committed to your education = A strong foundation for future prospects
Committed to the Lord = The blessing of God on your life
Today we are all facing the decision to commit to something. Let’s do ourselves a favour and look at our choices through the lens of wisdom, make our commitments (big or small), and then see them through to the end.
Take some time when you can, and write down the reasons why you have made certain commitments. Put them in a place where you can see them, and then, if you ever feel like you’ve made a mistake or feel like giving up, read your reasons and be inspired to keep going!
You can do this!
Encouragement from the Scriptures:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3
“But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.” -- James 5:12
Do you have any other Scriptures to share or advice about how to stay committed? If you do, feel free to share below :D
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.