A Total Commitment

Robert Turner told a story about a hen and a pig who became very good friends. One seldom saw them apart. One day as they strolled about the barnyard lot, the hen suggested that since they had never eaten breakfast together, that they do that the next morning. Never being one to turn down a meal, the pig readily agreed and asked, “What will we eat?”

The hen stood in deep thought for a while, then said, “It appears to me that if each of us contributes something to the meal it will be more meaningful to each of us.” “Fine,” said the pig, “and what do you suggest?”

Again, the hen stood as if in deep thought for a while and then said, “I have an idea, let’s have ham and eggs. I’ll provide the eggs and you the ham.” “Hold on,” said the pig, “What you offer to contribute is the fruit of your labor, but what you’re asking of me requires total commitment!”

Here are several ways to define commitment: roll together, yield, surrender, serve, submit, trust, commend, abide, agree, respect, entrust, dedicate oneself – in which a person or a thing is set aside or consecrated to God’s service.

God has entrusted or committed a valuable deposit unto each believer that is to be guarded and protected, that is to be faithfully proclaimed, followed, or exercised, and that in turn is to be committed to others. Each believer is responsible to respond to God’s call by committing their heart, mind, body, and life to serve Him, to share the Gospel, and to be His ambassadors in this world.

When we submit ourselves to God, we submit to the Word of God. Remember God exalts the humble (James 4:7-8, I Pet 5:6-8). God has delivered us from the kingdom of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. (Col 1:13) and tells us we serve the Lord Christ (Col 3:24, I Tim 6:20). Jesus did the legal side; we must do the vital side by belief and confession.

A lot of people want Jesus as Savior, to deliver them from a fiery hell, but it’s when we commit ourselves to God, He becomes our Lord. Jesus said, “Why call me Lord and do not the things I say” (Luke 6:46). Paul tells us in Gal 5:16 : ”this, I say then, walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh". Walking in the Spirit is living by the Word of God. Committing to do what God says.

Properly following God’s teachings will make you a better father, mother, husband, wife, employee, business owner, or friend. It is not a promise of a life of ease, but of greater service to God and our fellow men. God does require a total commitment of us, even to the point of dying for him if called to do so.

Many of us believe we are that strong, but total commitment also means a dedication to God even when nothing opposes us, when cares of this world distracts us, when friends and relatives conspire against us. How committed are you to God?

Scripture readings: Lk. 23:46; 1 Tim. 1:11; 1 Tim. 1:18; 1 Tim. 6:20–21; 2 Tim. 1:12, 14; 2 Tim. 2:2; Ps. 37:5; Prov. 16:3; Ex. 20:14; John 8:34; 1 Peter 4:19; 2 Cor. 5:18–20; Gal. 2:7

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ,
I know that I have sinned
and done things that have hurt you.
I am willing to turn away
from what is wrong in my life.
I want to go where you lead in the future.
Thank you for dying on the cross
so that I might be forgiven.

Come into my life this day;
Come in as my Saviour and Lord:
Come in to be with me for ever.

Thank you Lord Jesus.
Amen.

Have a blessed day,

Adele