Total Commitment Is Not For Everyone

"If you do not plan to live the Christian life totally committed to knowing your God and to walking in obedience to Him, then don't begin, for this is what Christianity is all about. It is a change of citizenship, a change of governments, a change of allegiance. If you have no intention of letting Christ rule your life, then forget Christianity; it is not for you."   - Kay Arthur

Throughout the course of our daily lives, we might demonstrate commitment in relationships with our families, friends, and co-workers, for example. We may also commit to improving our health, and in things that we might say or do. But, far and away, the biggest commitment we can make in our lives, including those mentioned, is committing our lives to God.

In Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus announces that we should totally and obediently commit ourselves to Him. He is telling us in this passage that we are to give every inch of our bodies and souls to loving and serving God . We are not to go only part way, or kind-of-sort-of, but to go all in with everything we have! After all, doesn't He do the same and more for us (John 3:16)?

Make no mistake. If you commit yourself to God, you have to put Him first and above everything else in your life. This is where a lot of people hop off of the bus. They might be willing to do many things, but... There can be no true commitment to God if other commitments, yes, even your family, are placed above Him (Luke 14:26-27; 12:15-20). There are no conditions, bargaining, or compromises with God on this point.

I know this may sound harsh but here's the deal. If you can't make this commitment than you can't be His disciple. That's it, plain and simple. In fact, Jesus warned us that it wouldn't be easy. By committing to God there would be some rough days ahead, some which will definitely push your commitment to its limits (John 15:20; 2 Timothy 3:12).

Like anything of true worth or value, there is a cost. If you desire to be a disciple, you must be willing to pay it. What is it? The cost of committing to Christ is: self-denial; being willing to bear your own cross, that is, putting up with remarks, insults, humiliation, and even punishment. In addition to these, you must be willing to follow Him continually and faithfully (Luke 9:23-24).

As you can see, a total commitment to God is not for the weak, or faint of heart. By making a commitment to Him we are telling the world that Jesus is: our only authority; a lamp for our feet, to guide our path; and our guide through whatever may come before us (Psalm 119:105; Psalm 139:10).

We make many commitments in our lives. Some of them good, others not so much. When we commit ourselves to God, and follow through with what He asks of us, we will find that the benefits far outweigh anything any earthly commitment could ever provide. If you haven't already, won't you commit to God today?

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3; Hebrews 11:6; James 4:8; Romans 1:21; 2 Peter 3:18

Prayer: Holy Father, I pray that You come into my heart and be my Lord, and my Savior. From today on, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You the rest of my life.

Have a blessed day!

Renay