Uh-oh…scary word, huh? The very utterance of it can cause people to get nervous. For some it brings visions of being trapped. It may mean they will have to follow through with what they say they will do, or pay the not-so-pleasant consequences.
The dictionary defines commitment as a pledge or an agreement, particularly in regard to something in the future. In addition, the word pledge is defined as a binding promise. Well, no wonder some people turn and run! But I have found that “commitment” doesn’t have to be seen in a negative light. Commitment is actually a very beautiful concept when it is present in the midst of love.
Commitment is a promise to someone that you are there for them through thick and thin.
Commitment is accountability.
Commitment is devotion.
Commitment ensures that those you love know and understand that even when it’s uncomfortable, you will hold their hand and walk with them through the fire.
Commitment is unconditional love.
Commitment says “you are worth it”.
Commitment is making a stand for what you believe in.
Commitment is giving your best.
To whom or what are you committed? Why? Now stop…think about this…really think about it.
Why are you committed? Out of obligation? Out of fear of negative consequences? Out of love? If you are not committed out of pure love, what is the purpose of it other than selfish gain?
Phillippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”
Such good words and perfect truth!
So, yes…commitment IS scary. Commitment means that we have to think and act beyond ourselves. It means we have to step outside our comfort zones and into the world of other people. It means getting in the trenches and the mud and the muck and wading through it TOGETHER.
For the long haul.
Because we love them.
Because the Father loves them.
Because they are worth it.
13 comments:
Thanks for this post, Doris. Commitment IS a big word but one that I truly love and must have in my life. I am committed to my family, my church and my church calling, keeping our home clean and beautiful, providing nutritious and yummy foods for my family and to making others feel inspired and good about themselves.
Have a wonderful weekend!:)
Leslie
Wow. I learned some important stuff while reading this. I'm committed to my family, my friends, my academics and music. I loved your post!
@Leslie and Maggie - thank you for reading! I am glad that you were touched enough to respond. It was on my heart heavily last night. As for me, in this season of my life, I am committed to seeking God and being obedient to Him; and I am committed to reaching out to others to show them they are loved.
I am committed to family, my children, my friends, and to those that God puts in my path. I am committed to God and to my relationship with Him - which includes trying to walk the talk.
What a refreshing post! Thanks for sharing it!
People tend to have a hard time being committed, we pick and chose what we will and will not be committed to. I see how we are committed to our families, friends and what ever our desires are. But when it comes to Jesus we lack commitment and I’ve always wanted to know the reason why? Why do we fail to be committed to Him? When we go to Him in need He is always there for us, and yet we lack our commitment to Him, we won’t commit to prayer, worship, discipleship, studying the word. I think we need to adjust our commitment to what is really important in life. Because had He not give us the breath to wake up in the morning we could not be there for our families. Great post Doris, I pray more people drop pass and not only read it but have a heart change.
@bluecottonmemory - thank you for stopping by to read and comment! I think it is wonderful that you are committed to all those things and to walking with God! It can be so tough, because the world teaches us that we can do things for ourselves and like little toddlers we tell God "No...I do it myself!" But true commitment, in my opinion, must include full surrender. Have a wonderful day!
@Desiray - hello again sweet girl! So glad you stopped by! Your comments and perspective are always SO though-provoking and cause me to want to think deeper! I think some of our non-commitment to Jesus is the mentality that he will always forgive us anyway - not that it's correct, but our flesh does this to us! It reminds me of how sometimes we tend to treat the ones closest to us the worst because we know they will love us anyway...it's a wrong attitude and I agree that we need some serious readjustment!
Stopping by from SITS!
Committment... should be a four letter word, or perhaps people already think it is... kind of like WORK is one.
Remember- it's supposed to be hard. That's why it's called WORK instead of PLAY.
But without the hard work, and yes, sacrifice, what then is the value in the result? Or better yet, how does one measure the value or importance of the hard work done? The committment kept? The faith, love and caring that makes the doing of it so hard in the first place, worth giving?
If not for LOVE- another four letter word- there really would be no reason for many of the committments, and sacrifices made by the masses around the world daily.
Hello Dawn! Thank you for dropping by and commenting. I agree wholeheartedly that commitment is hard work. I guess that's why so many people don't want to do it. And it seems as if our world is so full of people whose main focus is self-love (and not the healthy kind), that also chips away at the level of commitment they are willing to make. We have been fed so much of the "take care of number one" mentality, I feel like we've all but forgotten how to commit to others.
Beautiful, Doris! I thank GOD for His committment to ME, even when I was not!!
Thank you for receiving His love and showing love to us!
Why, Miss Ruth! What a nice surprise to see you stopping by. :-) You see, I *am* learning and growing. Much of it due to your love and commitment to our friendship!
Commitment - one of my favorite words, and something that I take so seriously. My biggest commitment right now is really, to myself. Does that sound selfish? I don't mean it to be - but I really feel that it is important to accept YOURSELF before you are able to let anyone in, and I work at that daily. By doing that for myself, I am more open to commit to others, including my God. Does that make sense? (Love this post, dear friend. Such a great subject!)
Yes ma'am Leeane, it totally makes senses to me what you're saying. And I think you're a very smart woman to think that way because as important as all your roles are in life, if you forget about YOU and lose YOU, then when you move out of those roles - what's left? So, no...it's not selfish at all...as a matter of fact I think it actually makes you a better person to those in your life!
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