Recently, I read some wise words from Lessons We’ve Learned by T.F. and Thetus Tenney. These words concerning commitment completely altered my way of thinking. They explained the difference between investment and commitment.
“One can invest time and money into something to which they are not truly committed. However, commitment is a once and for all kind of thing. Take a look at a typical American breakfast plate - toast and coffee, eggs and bacon. The chicken made an investment in your breakfast. The pig was committed to it.”
Webster described commitment as “the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled.” In terms of marriage, relationships, jobs, etc., it seems as though our society has shifted from a commitment to an investment mentality. If our feelings change or we fail to get what we expect out of it, we call it quits.
We tend to make “commitments” based off of our emotions and how we are feeling at the moment, when really we are making small investments. Unfortunately, the reality of being merely invested, and not truly committed can become true with our relationship with God.
Commitment is somewhat likened to faith in that it is not tainted by feelings or circumstances. It’s driving force is a choice or a promise.... no matter the cost.
When Moses went up to Mt. Sinai to hear from God, the people still honored God, but they also began to worship idols. The pressure and distractions around them became too much for them, and they neglected their full commitment and allegiance to God during the wait.
Jesus told us in Matthew 6:24, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” When we force God to share the throne of our lives with mammon (or anything else), this is the point at which our commitment to Him becomes only an investment. We are only giving a part of ourselves. And the Bible lets us know that He is a jealous God that desires that we love Him, with ALL our heart, ALL our mind, and ALL our strength.
Jesus is our ultimate example of commitment. John describes it best by saying, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus gave of Himself, ALL of Himself, once and for ALL.
And He paints us a picture of what commitment looks like for us:
Matthew 16:24-26 "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
It’s been said by many, and I would have to concur, that there is something different about 2020. God desires to do something special, unprecedented, something never seen or heard of among his people. As we’re entering into the new year, my heart and soul longs to be a part! He is looking for our commitment. Our allegiance. Our attention. What can I lay down in exchange for deeper things of God? What could I sacrifice so that I might become closer to Him, hear His voice, see Him in a new dimension?
My recent conviction is that God deserves more than my investment.
My prayer is “God help us be committed to our commitment to you. We are your workmanship. Help us be reminded that our purpose is a kingdom purpose. Help us redeem the time by making extra efforts and consecration to hear what the Spirit is saying to us and to obey. In Jesus Name. Amen"
“One can invest time and money into something to which they are not truly committed. However, commitment is a once and for all kind of thing. Take a look at a typical American breakfast plate - toast and coffee, eggs and bacon. The chicken made an investment in your breakfast. The pig was committed to it.”
Webster described commitment as “the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled.” In terms of marriage, relationships, jobs, etc., it seems as though our society has shifted from a commitment to an investment mentality. If our feelings change or we fail to get what we expect out of it, we call it quits.
We tend to make “commitments” based off of our emotions and how we are feeling at the moment, when really we are making small investments. Unfortunately, the reality of being merely invested, and not truly committed can become true with our relationship with God.
Commitment is somewhat likened to faith in that it is not tainted by feelings or circumstances. It’s driving force is a choice or a promise.... no matter the cost.
When Moses went up to Mt. Sinai to hear from God, the people still honored God, but they also began to worship idols. The pressure and distractions around them became too much for them, and they neglected their full commitment and allegiance to God during the wait.
Jesus told us in Matthew 6:24, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” When we force God to share the throne of our lives with mammon (or anything else), this is the point at which our commitment to Him becomes only an investment. We are only giving a part of ourselves. And the Bible lets us know that He is a jealous God that desires that we love Him, with ALL our heart, ALL our mind, and ALL our strength.
Jesus is our ultimate example of commitment. John describes it best by saying, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Jesus gave of Himself, ALL of Himself, once and for ALL.
And He paints us a picture of what commitment looks like for us:
Matthew 16:24-26 "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
It’s been said by many, and I would have to concur, that there is something different about 2020. God desires to do something special, unprecedented, something never seen or heard of among his people. As we’re entering into the new year, my heart and soul longs to be a part! He is looking for our commitment. Our allegiance. Our attention. What can I lay down in exchange for deeper things of God? What could I sacrifice so that I might become closer to Him, hear His voice, see Him in a new dimension?
My recent conviction is that God deserves more than my investment.
My prayer is “God help us be committed to our commitment to you. We are your workmanship. Help us be reminded that our purpose is a kingdom purpose. Help us redeem the time by making extra efforts and consecration to hear what the Spirit is saying to us and to obey. In Jesus Name. Amen"
Jessica Bridges is a recent transplant to Livingway Pentecostal Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Upon her arrival, Jessica extended her hands to service. She has given Bible studies to young adults, partnered in a women’s small group, and extended prayerful encouragement to ladies churchwide. She continues to obediently follow "wherever God may lead," even when the territory is down the new path of sharing her heart through writing. When Jessica is not volunteering her time to ministry, she is caring for her husband, Chris, and her beautiful little girls, Maya and Sara.
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