‘Give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow Me.’ Luke 9:23 NLT
Here are three Bible examples of radical commitment:
(1) Commitment on the job. In the past, employers appreciated their workers, and workers valued their employers and their jobs. Today’s workplace often involves conflict, with employees criticising their bosses and doing the minimum required to get by, while many bosses have become increasingly demanding, taking their workers for granted. This isn’t God’s way. His way calls for mutual commitment between management and labour. Paul says: ‘Obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord, rather than for people.’ (Ephesians 6:5–8 NLT)
(2) Commitment at church. Many Christians have adopted a cafeteria-style approach towards church. We pick what we like and leave what we don’t. But membership in Christ’s church involves a covenant relationship with a body of believers who watch over, cherish, and pray for one other, and fulfil the Great Commission together (see 1 Corinthians 12:12–31).
(3) Commitment to Christ. Christ is not looking for wishy-washy, ‘lukewarm’ followers (see Revelation 3:16). He told the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow Me.’ That means you no longer follow your own wishes and will, you follow Christ and His will. That’s radical commitment, and you are called to it.
SoulFood: Ezek 37:1–40:9, Luke 20:41–47, Ps 78:9–16, Pr 20:11–14
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©