New Reminders: Commitment

A dictionary definition of commitment is, “the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity or relationship".  It is a promise to dedicate ourselves to fulfilling an obligation in the future or for life (from this day forward).  It requires self-discipline, resilience and persistence.  It is a promise, to do our very best to follow through on our self-defined obligations.  It is a willingness to overcome difficulties to fulfill our responsibilities, not only to others, but also to ourselves.

When we commit ourselves to something or someone, we must be willing to adapt to any situation, because the goal is more important than anything that stands in its way.  There must be a tolerance of certain conditions that need to exist to pursue the goal.  We must be dependable, focused and passionate.  We must be willing to make sacrifices for the cause or relationship, and we must have determination to see it through, because it has become a part of our purpose in life.

Strong commitments are the most important element in any relationship, particularly in good marriages.  Without them, the first hint of a difficulty or disagreement might lead to eventual disillusion of the marriage.  People who make a commitment to make a marriage work and thrive, must be willing to make compromises and to working things out.  This does not mean that marriage partners can always overcome serious disagreements, but those who are determined to try everything possible, to resolve issues peacefully are much more likely to remain loving partners for the long haul.

Committing ourselves to a cause, a business, or another person are all things we do in our daily lives.  Committing ourselves to God, and a Christian lifestyle, are another thing all together. When we dedicate our life to God, we need all of the characteristics outlined above, but we also need to turn over our entire life plans to His control.  While God always gives us a choice to reject his plans, when we seriously commit ourselves to Him, we are willing to follow His leading and are ready to do His bidding.

Proverbs 16:3 recommends that we dedicate our work to the Lord, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." This verse reminds us of the importance of committing our work and our lives to God.  Committing oneself or one's spirit to God means entrusting oneself entirely to Him.  Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act”. Again, the basic idea is to entrust yourself to His care.  To entrust means to put something into somebody else's hands.  Fortunately for us, God’s hands are trustworthy.