We Understand Commitment

By Lance Cordle

     Sometimes when we analyze people and situations (let’s say, church attendance and involvement, giving, friendship, marriage), we may come up with a statement that we believe summarizes the  problem. Often, that statement is: “There is a problem with commitment.” Hand in hand with those words frequently comes the assumption that the person  is afraid to commit to anything. Before we assume that position, we should carefully study the life of the person.
     Does that person have a job? If so, how often do they show up for work? How long have they held their job at the present employer? Usually, answers to these questions will settle the fact that the person is either in the process of prolonged, gainful employment, or has retired after many years of employment.  
     Does that person have a mortgage or car payment? Have they looked over their finances, counted the cost, and decided that they have the resources to own and maintain a house and/or car?
     Does that person have a hobby? If so, have they spent any money in  pursuing that hobby? Have they bought golf clubs, boats, fishing gear, etc. over the years? How much money have they spent on that hobby during a year’s time? Do you think that amount of   money might be what you or I would call a “significant” amount?
     Does that person seem interested in their personal health? Do they exercise? Are they members and regular participants in a gym or health club? Do they regularly check their weight and vital signs? Do they invest in healthy nutrition and  grow or purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, etc.?
     Does that person follow a high school, college or pro sports team? Do they set aside time to watch games on television? Do they attend games, maybe even drive a hundred miles or more to see one game? Do they buy fan gear (t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, car tags, etc.)? Do they annually purchase season tickets?
     We could probably go on and on asking questions about that    person’s life (the one with a “commitment problem”), but you and I know it is not a problem with committing to something or someone . . . It is a matter of wanting to commit . . . And that, my friend is a       PRIORITY problem (Matthew 6:33; 22:37-39). 

- Lance Cordle preaches the Calvert City Church of Christ in Calvert City, KY.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com