Commitment…
Many years ago, I was asked to send out letters to churches inviting their women to participate in our annual Women of the Bible program. I sent out many letters but received little or no response. As I shared this with the President of our Women’s Ministry, she said, “You are just getting back what you’ve done, because you don’t answer your phone”. I had to sit with that for a while and years later, it still feels like a stab in the gut. As much as I hate to admit it, she was right. Galatians 6:7-10 introduces us to the principle of sowing and reaping. While this scripture has deep spiritual implications, it also has practical implications. Today, I will explore commitment in the context of reaping and sowing.
There are many things competing for our time, work, family, friends, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, vacations and yes God. Placing God last in the list was strategic because often He is last on our list. When I say God, I mean the things of God—praying, studying, attending church, Bible study, Christian education, ministry work, and so on. These things are low on the priority list and happens if nothing else is on the agenda. While many have great ministry ideas, there are not many willing to do the work and execute the ideas. Too often we make excuses for not being available to even assist.
What is interesting is that while we show very little commitment to God, we expect commitment from others. We request RSVPs for birthday parties, girl’s night out, and other leisurely activities and become agitated when people are no-shows. However, week after week we are no-shows on God’s program. As I considered the reasons why, I could only think of my experience as there was a time when I was not committed. I could skip church, Bible study, Sunday school and personal study without conviction. This was because I was committed to things, not God. Once my relationship with God became a priority, I got more committed to the things of God. Now, I look forward to hearing the Word of God, fellowshipping with other saints, and communing with Him in the wee hours of the morning.
So, friends, I would like to encourage you to make God a priority. Start each day with Him. Set aside time to read His Word, meditate, and pray. If you like to journal, do so, but make it about Him. He loves to be praised and glorified. When you do those things, He rewards you with His presence which brings revelation, clarity of mind, love, joy, and peace that surpasses all understanding. Soon you’ll grow in your love for God and things of God, and you will find yourself busy—seeking new and creative ways to glorify God and His people.
I hope you receive the challenge and I look forward to hearing about the wonderful ways that God is using you for His glory. Please share. Email me at [email protected] or simply add your comment below.
For God’s Glory,
Tahnee
