Nov 08 2016 Commitment
I have observed for sometime that the idea of commitment is, at best, a very fussy concept. In fact, I see very few so called Christians who are seriously committed to following Jesus. The result of that low level commitment is a weakened influence on those who don’t know Jesus.
I have seen that the world is making a greater impact on the church and those who identify themselves as Christians than the church and so called Christians are making on the world (Romans 12:1-2). “Often the world does more harm than we do it good!”
During the rulership of Chairman Mao Tsetung in China, his call for total dedication and commitment was before the people constantly. He insisted on 4 absolutes. His absolutes were used for evil purposes. They were:
Absolute Acceptance (Commitment)
The Chinese were to begin with a total commitment of mind
to a certain way of life.
Absolute Dedication
This means making the Chinese way of life your number one priority,
committing your life to it and being willing to die for it.
Absolute Discipline
Taking charge of your life-style, discipling your mind and body and
study habits. All for the sake of the cause.
Absolute Action
You must act upon your conviction…living it and doing it daily.
We can learn a great deal from the absolutes as we follow Jesus. As a follower of Jesus we must have:
Absolute Acceptance
Absolute acceptance of Jesus, fully receiving Him.
“But to all who believe him and accept him, he gave the right
to become children of God.” John 1:12
Absolute Dedication
Absolute dedication and surrender to Jesus. If you want His best
for your life, you must surrender your all to Him.
Absolute Discipline
Absolute discipline as you submit every area of your life
to His influence and control.
Absolute Action
You must come to know and obey what He asks us to do in The Bible.
So, what are you committed to that is of eternal value? Be honest!
The Bible says only 2 things will last eternally:
G O D ‘ S T R U T H :
“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of God will stand forever.”
Isaiah 40:8
P E O P L E :
“They will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
Matthew 25:46
In other words, everyone will live forever, either with God or without Him!
My challenge to you is to evaluate ruthlessly your priorities. Are your priorities God’s priorities? Are His priorities shaping your schedule?
In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus lays out His essential priorities.
“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul,
and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally
important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
So how do we know whether we are loving God? Jesus makes it plain as day!
A C T I O N S T E P S:
1. Review your priorities! Your schedule will illustrate what your priorities really are, not just what you say they are.
2. Get a copy of the book, The Four Priorities, as we unfold the implications of Matthew 22:37-39.
3. Get busy making the necessary adjustments in your life to conform to God’s priorities!!!
If you do, you will never be the same again!