Meditations From The Psalms, Part 5

"My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word." - Psalm 119:28

Did you wake up heavy hearted today? Are there issues that you face which seem insurmountable? I love the honesty of the psalms. Depression, anxiety, weariness, heaviness, pain, fear, and every other emotion or experience is found here. We lower our bucket into the psalms and draw from those who felt the same way we feel. Here the psalmist calls upon God's Word for strength. He is admitting that he can't get through this without supernatural wisdom and counsel. Have you lowered your bucket today? That's the way I see things.

Meditations From The Psalms, Part 4

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word." - Psalm 119:9

I have to ask myself why this exhortation is given to young men? Don't we all need this no matter what chapter of life we find ourselves in? Could it be that this is where the launching pad is? If an arrow leaves the bowstring just one inch off the mark, that inch will be multiplied through distance. A young man or woman must get their grounding in the areas of morality, ethics, character, and godliness early in life or the error will be multiplied in later years. That's the way I see things.

Meditations From The Psalms, Part 3

"I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches." - Psalm 119:14

Do we believe this? How would I rejoice if told that I was the recipient of one million dollars? Would my excitement rise above that of discovering a new and wonderful truth in God's Word? The Word requires honest assessment of the soul if it is to be used for spiritual nourishment. That's the way I see things.

Meditations From The Psalms, Part 2

"I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me." - Psalm 119:19

A stranger on the earth? Who would use such language, except a foreigner? But where is this foreigner from? He didn't say he was a stranger in Israel or France, for this would simply imply that he was from another nation. He claimed to be a stranger in the world. Oh what significance this has. He is focused on eternity. He is from another world. Many times others spoke in a similar vein. Abraham looked for a city that was built by God. Paul refers to believers as having another citizenship. This should reduce our temporal burdens and heighten our joy for eternity. Do our lives testify to this world that we are from another place? That's the way I see things.

Meditations From The Psalms, Part 1

"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." -Psalm 119:18

This great verse speaks of spiritual illumination, which is given only to the believer. I often pray this as a prayer before I open God's word. Notice how personalized it is. "…that I may behold…." The verse tells us that below the surface there lies great spiritual truths that only through meditation will be revealed. Please do not rush through a text, but savor it. Job said he desired the word more than food. Have you been fed today? That's the way I see things.

Why It Is Easier To Hear From Our Adversary Than It Is To Hear From God?

Perhaps you have never pondered this subject. Just consider for a moment how much easier it is to get discouraged than it is to be encouraged. Why is this? With all the great and glorious promises that we have in Scripture, why does this present evil age drag us down? The answer is really not that difficult to comprehend. Our adversary is like a roaring lion going about seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8). The Scriptures are quite clear that his techniques and tactics are manifold. Since he is in charge of the world system, his voice is loud, arrogant, and found in every facet of society. The Lord, however, gives a different set of instructions. He tells us to seek Him. He has a still small voice and says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Those who desire to know Him can. His Word is sufficient, but we must pursue it. It will not pursue us. We are told to seek Him with all our heart. This requires effort on our part. It means setting aside time to be with Him in the midst of a busy schedule. There is no effort required to hear the voice of the enemy. His voice is heard in the world of education, business, commerce, entertainment and a host of other places. You can’t escape hearing it. Thus the need to set aside time to hear the truth, for the truth will set you free. Do you have a quiet place to go and be alone with God? Do you set time aside to be alone with God? If not, you will only hear the voice of the enemy. Turn your ear toward God and be encouraged. That's the way I see things.

Being Vs. Doing

When people speak of us, do they describe us relative to talent or our character? Would you rather be known as a great businessman or as a godly father? Would you want to be known as a great athlete or as a person of integrity? Obviously it is possible to have both, but if we look to Scripture we normally find that people are described by who they are, not what they can do.

Noah................Walked with God (Genesis 6:9)
Abraham...........Was a friend of God (James 2:23)
Joseph..............A man of moral excellence (Genesis 39:12))
David................A man after God’s own heart (I Samuel 13:14)
Daniel...............A man of excellent character (Daniel 6:3)
Jesus................A man without sin (I Corinthians 5:21)

This is no minor issue. We must be people who are defined by character. Our culture cares little for character, after all, “nice guys finish last.” It has been said that those who believe, “it is not whether you win or lose but how you play the game” are usually losers. This type of thinking is drowning our culture. Everything is grades, sports, how much you make, or where you fit in the pecking order. When we think back to recent history, men like Lincoln or Robert E. Lee have volumes written about their integrity. Yes, they accomplished much, but most of the fruit borne out of their lives was a product of their character. They were men who were respected even by their enemies.

Take a long hard look at your life and ask yourself, “How will I be remembered when I am long gone?” Will the business wars that I won or the sports trophies on my mantel be the remembrances, or will people say such accomplishments pale in comparison to your character? That's the way I see things.

Four Marks of a Godly Person

I want to reveal the four marks of a godly person as I have observed them in the lives of truly victorious believers.

1. An Insatiable Appetite For The Word
All mature believers have a desire to fellowship with God around His Word. This is a dining experience where the banquet table is spread for all believers to be nourished. We are His guests. No admission fee. No hidden charges. No hidden agenda. No collection taken at the end to defray any expenses -- just a good meal.

2. A Devoted Prayer Life
The true saint of God goes humbly before His throne of grace in order to find help in time of need.

3. A “Care Less” Attitude About The Things Of This World
They truly see themselves as pilgrims in constant pursuit of that heavenly city.

4. A Non-Judgmental Attitude Toward Others
This mark reflects great maturity. They are never impatient with those who are not where they are.

In your journey you will meet few of these people. They are like diamonds. You can’t help but to be overtaken by their godly character. They in fact reflect the very character of God Himself. We should all strive to be like this. That's the way I see things.

Contentment

Contentment is coming to a place in my life where I desire nothing, as opposed to coming to a place where I have everything. This pretty much sums up the biblical truth on this subject. This came to mind as I reflected on Paul’s statement in Philippians where he said, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:11-12). Do you ever ponder such thoughts? I met with a missionary who has penetrated, by the grace of God, the wilds of Siberia. He and his wife live in 70° below zero temperatures for 6 months. The temperature then soars to over 100° in the summer. They eat all their food raw, including horsemeat, moose, and fish. The living conditions are the worst in the world. When he returns to the States his heart sinks. He sees a contentment level that is also below zero. The people he ministers to are always joyful and happy yet have nothing. We are cranky and angry yet have everything.

There is a key word in Paul’s statement about contentment. He said that he learned how to be content. This is a process. On a scale from 1 to 10 where are you with respect to being content. If you are at a 5, what would it take to make it a 10? If your answer is a new car or house, I can assure you that wont’ do it. This is a matter of inner peace and satisfaction in Christ. In verse 13 Paul tells us that he can do all things through Christ that strengthens him. Let’s learn to rejoice in whatever state we are in. That's the way I see things.

Playing By The Rules

“…to obey is better than sacrifice....” – I Samuel 15:22b

If you have read Hebrews 11 lately, you probably came away feeling like a second string junior varsity benchwarmer, and why not? After all, these Old Testament saints have a pretty impressive record. While they quenched the violence of fire, we get burned trying. While they escaped the edge of the sword, we cut ourselves shaving. The obvious conclusion? Great things happened in the past because these men and women were super human. Don’t you believe it!

There was a book written years ago titled God’s Squad. This would seem to be an appropriate title for Hebrews 11. While you read about this great lineup of the past, allow me to interject a few statistics about these men that perhaps you never knew. After all, “you can’t tell the players without a program.” I won’t cover the whole team, So here is a quick look at the front four.

Moses
Made all prophet 40 years in a row, however because he failed to play by the rules, he never got into the end zone.

David
MVP in the kingdom but was severely penalized for holding, i.e., someone other than his wife.

Abraham
Kicked the game off, but lost lots of yardage because of unsportsmanlike conduct. He lied on several occasions.

Sampson
Strongest man on the team. Unfortunately he was sent to the locker room early because his old nature was even stronger.

Well now how do they look? It just might shock you to know if some of these men were alive today their mug shots would be hanging in the local post office. Do I sound disrespectful? Do I seem a bit ungrateful to those who in past years ran the interference so that I might play a better game? Hardly! I praise God for giving me a list of real people with whom I can identify. These were not super saints but simply men of “like passion.” Please don’t cloud the issue. God does not condone their sin but commends their faith. He does the same for us. That’s the way I see things.

Drifting

“How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?” – Proverbs 6:9

Ah, but to be a drifter. Sounds like fun, doesn’t it? Come on now, admit it. Following sunsets and chasing clouds to who knows where while going to bed and getting up at who knows when, sparks the spirit of adventure in most of us – no responsibilities, schedules or deadlines. NO stress tabs for this guy. He knows nothing of time or ties. You won’t find an anchor in his boat – not the drifter. The tide is his mistress and the wind his guide. While he answers to no one but his own whims, he secretly delights in the fact that the world envies his unchecked freedom.

What a way to live! No question about it. This is the good life. Or is it? As delightful and appealing as all this might sound, there is one major flaw in his character – he has none. He is unfruitful, a sure sign of decay. He plants no seed and sees no harvest. The guilt of having accomplished nothing yesterday is buried under the pleasure of today. And as for tomorrow, what’s that? The drifter is not in a race, but a rut. He has no goals and achieves nothing of value. His life has no defined purpose but to fulfill the wanderlust and escape the yoke of responsibility, which to him, plagues the rest of society.

Words like commitment, roots, goals, and purpose are anathema to his lifestyle. His independent indulgent spirit reflects a theology that says there is no God, and since you only go around once in life, you had better grab for all the gusto you can. “So what’s all this have to do with me?” you might ask. “I’m responsible. I have a job, a family, a thirty year mortgage.” Strange, isn’t it? We see ourselves as pretty solid citizens with all our ducks in order, yet Paul used some strong language for those who seemed so stable. They were “tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). James put it this way, “he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed” (James 1:6b) - in other words a drifter, a spiritual vagabond. We have a good feeling about ourselves when our material world is shipshape. This must have been what Jesus meant when He spoke of straining at gnats and swallowing camels. The outside of the Pharisee looked great but his inner world was spiritually bankrupt.

Maybe you drifted a bit spiritually this year. It’s not too late for a mid-course correction. Should you have any questions on how to do a 180, consult the biblical manual on drifting. It is entitled Jonah. That’s the way I see things.

Modeling

“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” - I Corinthians 11:1

Okay. It’s word association time – one of psychology’s favorite games. Here’s how we play. I give you a word and you say the first word that comes to your mind. For example, I say ball, you might say round. If I said knife, you might say cut. If I say handsome, you might say Mike Minter, but then again you might not. Now that you have the idea, let’s try one more word – modeling. Well, what comes to your mind? Glamour? Beautiful people? Fur Cots? The Sears catalogue?

At the risk of being psychoanalyzed, I’ll tell you what comes to my mind when I think of modeling. I immediately think of a model’s qualifications. You know, high cheekbones, perfect ratio between height and weight, and as if that weren’t enough, add photogenic to the list. Fall short in any area and “don’t call us, we’ll call you” will be the studio’s parting words.

Perhaps if I were a bit more heavenly minded, this word would take on a different meaning. After all, the Bible has a great deal to say about modeling. “… and be clothed with humility” (I Peter 5:5). “Put on the whole armour of God” (Ephesians 6:11). “Ye are our epistles written in our hearts, known and read of all men” (II Corinthians 3:2). “Not the outward adorning…but the hidden man of the heart, which is in the sight of God a great price” (I Peter 3).

The beauty of God’s modeling program is that anyone can qualify – anyone. I once heard it said that a person can be paralyzed from the neck down and still model the fruit of the spirit, “love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23).

How well I remember my Dad modeling honesty by telling a cashier she had given him too much change. And then there was the time I had broken my arm in a car wreck but my father refused a check from the insurance company because our hospitalization was covered by the military. No doubt your parents or someone you have admired modeled a character quality that you are now able to pass on to your children. One thing is for certain, you can have family devotions until the swallows come back from Capistrano, but if you don’t model it, your children won’t buy it, nor will your employees, friends, or neighbors.

So why not slip into something comfortable like the fruit of the Spirit. You’ll look great, even if you don’t’ have high cheekbones. That’s the way I see things.

The Spiritual Gold

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” - Matthew 6:33

As much as I enjoy watching the Olympics, there are several aspects of these time-honored games that disturb me. First, the pressure to perform within certain distance and time parameters seems a bit unfair. There is no second chance, no mañana; it’s now or never. Ice skating is a prime example. In the pairs figure skating you are given two minutes and fifteen seconds to prove to the world that you are the best. For an imaginary event, let’s step out onto the ice and feel the heat. The world is watching. Thousands of dollars and as many man hours of practice have brought you here for this moment. Don’t blow it! A hush falls over the crowd as the music begins. You have been here before, but only in your dreams. What trophy room would best display the Olympic gold? How would you handle all the publicity? What would it be like to be called the best in the world? But you’re no longer dreaming--you’re on the ice and the first two minutes of your performance have been flawless. There is just fifteen seconds between you and the gold medallion you have waited and worked for all your life. Suddenly there’s a split second lapse in memory and a required critical spin is overlooked. It’s too late, the music is unforgiving and so are the judges. There’s no grace, no forgiveness, no tomorrow. Your hopes and dreams have been dashed against the rocks of misfortune. It’s all over.

Exaggeration? Hardly. Just ask Randy Gardner. A few years ago at Lake Placid, Randy pulled a muscle during a practice session and was unable to compete. It was a nightmare. The red, white, and blue would not be hoisted that afternoon. The National Anthem was silenced by a pulled hamstring.

My second concern regarding the Olympics has to do with the selection of sporting events. Who decides what sports qualify to be included in the Olympics? Have you seen the luge? Don’t get me wrong—I like the luge. But let’s be honest. How can you be considered the best in the world at a sport only eight people in the world have ever heard of? Out of those eight only four have access to a luge course. And you really have to question the sanity of the driver. There he is lying on his back traveling at 75 mph down an icy labyrinth. The winners always have names like Yen Yenson or Egor Pordanski. If I decide to compete in 2006 where can I practice? Did you know that there is not one luge course in all of Herndon? Not one! I hope Yen’s mother doesn’t read this.

My third and final gripe, and wouldn’t you know it, has to do with the sponsors. Every product known to man is the official product for the 2006 Winter Olympics. Budweiser is the official beer; M&Ms are the official snack food. Come on! Can’t you just see these physically fit, alpine athletes chasing down M&Ms with a Bud? The world never ceases to amaze me.

So what does all of this have to do with a pastoral challenge? Just this. Paul drew a great many examples from the Olympic games of his day to drive home spiritual truths. “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; be we an incorruptible” (I Corinthians 9:24-25).

Do we strive for perfection? Do we lay aside every weight and the sin that doth so easily beset us? And isn’t it a comfort to know that our performance doesn’t have to be flawless. His grace is always sufficient to forgive. And there is always a second chance—just ask Jonah. That’s the way I see things.

How To Encourage

“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” - Hebrews 10:24

1. Learn to encourage daily
Remember—a person’s self worth hangs on the thin thread of encouragement, and some are at the end of their rope. Don’t wait to give words of comfort.

2. Learn to relate to those who have similar needs
Be sensitive to those who are going through a trial similar to what you have already experienced. How did you weather the storm? Let them know how God used that difficulty in your life.

3. Learn to be a good listener
We all need to learn to read between the lines. People rarely unload their problems in bulk. They usually deliver them in small packages just to see if you’re concerned enough to open it. If you do, they will likely make another delivery. No one will expose their deeper feelings to people who show little or not interest. Be a person who cares!

It will never be the nature of a man to encourage, but it will forever be his need. That’s the way I see things.

Why We Need To Encourage And Be Encouraged

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” – Hebrews 3:13

1. Because through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God
We all need to be stroked by the warm hand of encouragement. Who can you think of that just might need some right now?

2. Because we receive far more criticism than praise
Our emotional ledger sheet tells the truth. It sure would be nice to get it to balance before the final account. You can help make the difference!

3. Because it develops friendships
We naturally seek out those who refresh us with words of comfort than those who destroy with words of criticism.

4. Because it gives health to the recipient
“Pleasant words are as honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” Proverbs 16:24.

5. Because we hurt far more deeply than we will admit
Most people carry burdens, the weight of which, cannot be estimated by an outsider.

Learn to encourage when you sense a need. That's the way I see things.

Pilgrim

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts; which war against the soul.” - I Peter 2:11

Pilgrim, it has sort of a home-spun ring to it, don’t you think? You know—pumpkins, hot apple cider, Thanksgiving and the Mayflower. Though the word may help you conjure up cozy thoughts, it seems God has a different purpose when he planted it in Scripture. It is assigned to those who seek another country—who look for a city which hath foundations, whose builders and maker is God.

Dwell on this expression for any length of time and you will find that pilgrim will become a trusted companion. A bit of a nuisance, but nevertheless, a friend in time of need. Just when you settle down in the easy chair of the world system, this nosy noun climbs off the pages of Scripture and sings a few verses of “This World Is Not My Home.”

Here are seven pesky letters that won’t mind their own business. If you don’t believe me, just spend a little time in Hebrews chapter 11 where the great saints confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Now stroll through the mall and see if this two-syllable giant doesn’t tiptoe through your tulips. Unannounced and uninvited he appears on the horizon of your conscience, poised and ready to do his thing. CONVICT!! Nothing shy about old pilgrim. You can feel him breathing down your neck and eyeballing your every lustful look. As the world parades its goodies before you, pilgrim whispers sweet nothings in your ear, “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (I Timothy 6:7). KILLJOY!!

You secretly wish you had never heard of this guy, much less be called one. You try desperately to dodge this professional party pooper, but it’s no use — he’s got the bases covered. You regroup and try to remain calm while planning your strategy. “How can I put a lid on pilgrim?” you ask. The world offers the answer—INDULGE!! is the cry echoing from the chambers of materialism. Certainly such distraction will put the muzzle on this merchant of holiness. But he is much too clever for that little ploy. Just as you focus on some must-have-it item, who should appear with script in hand, but pilgrim. “Do you really need it?” he inquires. “Can you afford it?” “Will it glorify God?” Don’t you just despise practicality at a time like this? You’re quick however with your own defenses, and your ability to rationalize peaks when conviction enters the scene. “But everyone else owns one; why can’t I?” “I’ll just close my eyes during the dirty part of the film.” “What’s wrong with a little worldly pleasure anyway?” Undaunted and not easily discouraged, pilgrim strikes back. “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world” (I John 2:15). You’re down for the count. Mentally you’re beginning to hemorrhage and it’s time to call it quits.

You’re home now and a quick inventory of the day’s activities register victory. A smile begins to work its way across your face as you rehears the world-be disaster had pilgrim not held your hand. You didn’t fall for the temporal value system of the world. You didn’t make one of those unnecessary purchases that would have only been a future garage sale item. You didn’t get sucked into some worthless form of entertainment that leaves its mark etched upon your soul. You were, in fact, able to hang tough because of a loyal companion – Pilgrim.

Abraham was a pilgrim and since we are children of Abraham, guess what that makes us? Sure, it’s hard. It was hard for Abraham too. I suspect, however, he never strolled through the mall. That’s the way I see things.

Words to Live By

“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” - Colossians 4;6

“Can’t you do anything right? You mindless idiot; how could you have forgotten the car keys? That’s the third time this week you’ve spilled the milk!” Like the relentless pounding of the surf, waves of criticism wear on the beachhead of the soul.

It should be no surprise that low self-esteem leads the list of mental maladies. Is it any wonder that the word can’t is so quick to volunteer its services in dampening the spirit of any endeavor? As it steps from the ranks of our vocabulary, it proudly wears the uniform of failure—and why not? We have been reminded countless times of our limitations and inadequacies. Should we not have anticipated a down generation – one that has been nurtured on sarcastic speech and vitriolic verse? But praise God the reverse is equally true. Words of praise and encouragement lift the spirit and strengthen the soul

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness is a breach in the spirit” (Proverbs 15:4).

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).

We don’t need self-esteem but God’s esteem. That’s the way I see things.

Missions

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” – Mark 16:15

Missions is what it’s all about.

It’s
Souls not self
Others not me
Substance not surface
Eternal not temporal
Releasing not restraining
Vision not viewing

It’s
Caring and bearing
Here and there
Giving and getting
Praying and praise
Sowing and reaping
You and me

It’s the bottom line of bottom lines. It’s why we as a church exist. It’s the cure not the cause of what ails all peoples of the world. Missions is medicine to the masses. It’s the panacea for the plague. It’s hope for the helpless. It’s God’s gift. It’s an invitation to the wedding feast (RSVP). I’ll be there and so will you, but how about them? That’s the way I see things.

Life In The Fast Lane

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.” – Daniel 1:8

I’m not exactly sure to whom this should be addressed, but if it strikes a responsive chord, maybe I’m playing your song. I heard an interesting illustration on the radio a few weeks back. It was one of those little seed thoughts that takes up root within your grey matter and won’t let go until you cry uncle. Well I’ve cried uncle, aunt, been through my family tree, and to the phone book but to no avail. I’m writing this as a last ditch effort in hopes that this plaguing thought will flow from pen to pad. So here goes.

The illustration? Well it has to do with Progeria. Pro who? Progeria. It’s a baffling childhood disease. Its cause? Unknown. Its symptoms? Rapid aging. Its consequences? Early death. Children at the age of 10 look to be in their 60s or 70s. Their life expectancy is short. They have in fact, physically experienced all of life in just a few short years. What a tragedy!

There is an interesting parallel between Progeria and a disease that many young people experience in the moral realm. Its name? Life in the fast lane. Its cause? Peer pressure. Its symptoms? Moral impurity. Its consequences? Early burnout!

Many children 6 or 7 years of age know every four-letter word in the book. By the time they are 10 they may have sniffed a little glue or taken a few drags of marijuana. Premarital sex refuses to play second fiddle and strikes a major chord in the early teenage years. Gone are the days when Dad sat down to explain to his teenage son the facts of life. Anytime much past he age of 4 and you’re a little late, Pop. What a sad commentary on our society.

So what’s it going to be? Life in the fast lane with the in crowd or life on the cart path with the One who said, “strait is the gate and narrow is the way” (Matthew 7:14)? No doubt you remember the story about the tortoise and the hare. Remember who won? Guess what? The live longer too. That’s the way I see things.

Balanced Commitment

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” – I Corinthians 10:31

Commitment – One of the most intimidating words in the English language. It’s demanding, restrictive, convicting, and challenges even the most disciplined individuals. It tightens the noose around the neck of anyone who contemplates its meaning.

As much as we shy away from this three syllable drill sergeant, just try and live without its ten letters tattooed to your soul. Nothing of any value can stand in its absence. No child will ever grow up to tickle the keys of a Steinway unless commitment is etched into his character during the early years of practice. Nor will gold medals grace the neck of sluggards. Wars are not won in moccasins but in the well-worn boots of commitment. Governments fall, businesses fail, and families blend into oblivion when this virtue is not within the rank and file of priorities.

What disturbs me however is not the lack of commitment but the imbalance of it in our lives. People are committed to work but not wedlock, the house but not the home, golf but not God. We are so highly disciplined but only in those areas that we deem important.

The Scriptures offer a balance to this much needed character builder. “Whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31) That’s devotion to God. “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15b). That’s dedication to the home. “If a man doesn’t work, neither shall he eat” (II Thessalonians 3:10). That’s discipline on the job.

Anything out of balance experiences either pressure or tension. When work crowds out time with the family, pressure builds within the home. When hobbies and leisure put God on the back burner, expect a little heat from heaven. Remember, pressure and tension are internal reminders that our commitment is either out of balance or invested in areas that have no real lasting value.

Commitment shouldn’t be a taskmaster but an escort.

If the truth were known, most of us have our commitments out of balance which is perhaps why our lives are out of whack. The Scriptures are replete with illustrations of commitment, but the one I cherish most is the CROSS. That’s the way I see things.