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.