“Any good commitment that will have the strength to last must be freely offered. No pressure. No manipulation. . . . The commitments we make must come from the core of who we are, or they will crumble when the pressure comes. And the pressure will come (emphasis author’s).”- John Ortberg
As John Ortberg continues Chapter 7 of I’d Like You More . . . , he weighs in on our commitment to God. Pastor Ortberg notes that Elisha completed one last task to confirm his commitment to take Elijah’s mantle. To follow God completely, Elisha slaughtered the two oxen he was driving. Next, he set fire to the wood from the plow to cook the meat. Finally, Elisha hosted a farewell banquet for himself. Then he set out to follow Elijah. No turning back.
However, though a story of unreserved commitment inspires us, glorifying commitment solely for the sake of commitment carries the potential to cause great damage. In contrast, God releases His power in your life when you commit yourself to a noble calling of God. In addition, God powers the thousand little commitments that make up a noble calling.
Furthermore, there’s a major difference between true commitment and forced compliance. Many years ago, in 1739, William Law observed the following. Writing in A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, he stated:
“[The follower of Jesus] does not ask what is allowable and pardonable, but what is commendable and praiseworthy (italics in original.).”
In conclusion, John Ortberg quips that he’s never conducted a job interview where the candidate asked, “How little can I do and keep my job?” For it’s in our level of commitment that we discover ourselves.
Today’s question: What gives your good commitment the strength to last? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Do the next right thing”
