Being a Christian Takes Commitment!

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"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

Time after time, we read in the New Testament what the followers of Jesus Christ were subjected to because of their belief (Acts 7:59; 8:1; 12:4-5). They were arrested, persecuted, and even stoned and killed. 

Choosing to follow Jesus Christ will definitely require some work, and perhaps even at a cost. Still, millions around the world have not hesitated to entrust their lives to Him. They have taken that leap of faith that changed their lives forever.

However, many risk falling away after reaching this point because they feel there's nothing left to be done. But pause and reflect for a moment, then ask yourself, "Did Jesus ever rest on his laurels?" Why should we..?

Scripture shows, for example, that Moses, Joseph, Joshua, Paul, Peter, the rest of the apostles, and yes, Jesus himself, all put their lives in jeopardy for the sake of the Gospel. They were all truly committed to their belief (Psalm 37:5).

Unfortunately, for many, commitment to Christ has been reduced to a drudgery of plodding off to church services on Sunday, reading their Bibles sporadically, if at all, and living lives of lukewarm Christianity; or whatever suits them best.

Don't you think Jesus Christ deserves better from us? After all, look at what he did for you and I (John 3:16). The apostles were only flesh, bone, and blood like us. They had good days and bad days, got sick, and suffered aches and pains, too (2 Timothy 1:12).

Do you think it was easy for them to commit to, and follow through with their faith? Of course not! Others around them, not understanding what it was all about, surely made it difficult to stay focused and resist temptation (1 Kings 8:61 ). 

Yet, they persevered and pressed forward. Keep in mind that a commitment made to follow Christ is only the beginning. Remember, it's a journey, not a temporary or short-term committal, but a lifetime dedication (Psalm 31:5). 

Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross for us. The very least we can do is commit some time and effort to him. Don't let your faith wither on the vine. Nourish it with your heart and soul. It will take some effort, but the work is eternally worth it!

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3; Mark 16:16; Acts 14:23; John 14:15; 2 Timothy 4:7

Prayer: "In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,"  - 1 John 5:3

In Jesus' love,

Taylor