FACING THE FUTURE
DEMANDS GREAT COMMITMENT
Scripture Reading--Colossians 3:23-24
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ" ( emphasis added ).
One of the most important qualities of a Christian is commitment. Commitment is the measure of our determination. It's our refusal to be distracted, discouraged, or defeated. It's knowing that everything I do must be done "heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" ( Col. 3:23 ). But many of God's people seem to know little or nothing about real commitment.
In the spring of 1821, when the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, was in its infancy, Jeremiah Johnson fell in love with a local maiden named Rachel Reagin. Since there was no legal organization in the city, Jeremiah realized that a trip of 60 miles to Connersville, Indiana, was necessary to secure a marriage license. His father couldn't spare him a horse from the plow team, but so great was Jeremiah's love for Rachel that he traveled 120 miles round-trip through the unbroken wilderness barefoot.
Poor Jeremiah's delays weren't over. He waited six more weeks for a minister to arrive in Indianapolis to perform the city's first wedding. In his countrified English, he related, "I determined from the moment seed her, to have her, or to die a-trying!" Isn't it amazing the sacrifice someone will make for the sake of love? Jeremiah's English might not have been the best, but he sure knew something about commitment.
Commitment is the test of true love, whether commitment to God, to His Word, to godly living, or to just plain faithfulness. Sure, the future is uncertain, but commitment can carry you forward with confidence, knowing you are following the course God has planned for you. A lack of commitment results in insecurity. As you face the future, be committed!
APPLICATION: Discuss your family's commitment to God, to His Word, and to each other.
--Jack Palmer--
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