27.Jul.2010 Ramifications of Commitment
To commit or Not
Commitment can be a fearful and overwhelming thing. We can find it hard to believe that we can stick with a task or a relationship long term. What if we don’t like this commitment or what if it interferes with our lives in a way in which we feel that we may miss out on some thing else?
With commitment we are concerned that we will not like this new endeavor. The novelty may wear thin.
What is Commitment?
Commitment causes a person to move beyond the thoughts of our minds and our emotions into the faith realm. Commitment provides an opportunity to step into the arena of the unknown. Faith is likened to a mustard seed Biblically. If the seed is to grow one must plant and water it. In other words an uncommitted life will be a life with little fruit as seed has been scattered and unplanted. A planted or committed life will achieve fruit or results.
Commitment is an essential life skill that enhances our lives. We read of a god in the Bible that commits to mankind for all of time. We were created in His image in both morality and mind. If created in the likeness of God then we have the capacity to carry through in our commitments.
Committed people are generous people. Committed people are willing to sacrifice of themselves. Committed people are often those who dont waste time in excusing their support but merely get on with the task or job.
The Example
We dont commit due to fear, hurt or lack of understanding. The book of Ruth in the Old Testament describes the life of a widow named Ruth and she had every reason to avoid commitment. She had committed to a marriage but her husband dies. Her brother-in-law and father-in-law also die leaving a bitter mother-in-law named Naomi. Ruth however continues to commit.
The Connection Between Commitment and Love
The feeling of love is wonderful but it is commitment that keeps love lasting. Rather than saying that love is a commitment we should be committed to love. Feelings change everyday and so it takes more than feelings to complete any commitment, whether study, a relationship or clearing debt.
Ruth, due to great loss and pain, would have felt little affection for her mom-in-law at this time but she was committed to the relationship. She left home, family and all that she knew to follow a bitter and lost old woman to a foreign land.
Commitment means that we weigh up the cost, that we understand that it will mean some sacrifice but the wins outweigh the cost. Commitment means that we choose unselfishness.
The Blessing of Commitment
Ruth had experienced loss despite commitment but that was not the end of her life. She continues to commit in spite of loss. If she went with Naomi to this foreign land, then reversal of this situation would be difficult. She could set herself up for a miserable life. However she sought to bless her mom-in-law. She determined to step out in faith rather than do nothing.
Her commitment meant that her mom-in-law received needed care and leaving her homeland and family. Ruth worked and provided for herself and Naomi, she learned new customs and had to get to know the foreign customs of a new land. However due to her commitment, God blesses her with a new marriage to a loving and well off relative and soon after she births a son, bringing blessing to Naomi also.
When we fail to commit we sell ourselves short. God made each of us very capable. The fear of commitment is often greater before we step into the process. However when we are committed, God brings blessing. We commit to our spouses and we receive a strong marriage. Even when things short term don’t seem good, God doesn’t change His mind but if we continue in commitment He blesses us as He did Ruth.
