Commitment

Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age.”

This verse has MANY different applications and lessons to be drawn from it. However, the concept of “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” is probably one of the broadest aspects of the whole command and therefore has the most possible applications.

The concept of commitment is one that applies to many different facets of the Christian life, from our individual commitment to Christ, to the church as a whole and its commitment to Christ. The commitment between the individual person and Christ is one that is seen as a pivotal one in the concept of an individual and their “walk” with God. It is one that is seen throughout the entirety of Scripture, the idea that man is meant to commune with God, to walk with him, just as Adam did in the garden…however, the concept of communing and walking has no impact if we do not view the relationship as one that deserves commitment. Christ put it best in his description of those who follow him…they must “deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me [Jesus].” The commitment between an individual and their savior is an all or nothing commitment. It is a desire to serve and follow Him, to seek His face and His desires, to do all that he commands us to do. To discuss further commitment would be futile if it is not first based on a right relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we see the continual exhortation to “follow me.” Are we truly following the Lord? Are we seeking repentance daily to better serve Him? Do we desire to be vessels which He can use for His purposes to the effective ministry and proclamation of His name? Or do we cherish sin so that we are ineffective, and unfruitful?

Commitment within the scriptures, however, does not stop at the concept of the individual and Christ. It involves more than that, but is vanity without it. The commitment of an individual to a local body of believers is encompassed in the notion of “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This is clearly seen in the book of Acts when the church is being added to on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). The Scriptures say in verse 42, following their conversion and baptism, they “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers…and day by day attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes…” We see a tie between the individuals relationship with Christ and the individuals relationship with others who are ALSO Christ’s. There is a devotion to the teachings of the apostles which were in line with the teachings of Christ. The believers sought a unity between themselves and the church of God and sought to continue in that unity. Hebrews 10:25 states, “ not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” We see the Scriptural exhortation, the desire of the Apostles, and the desire of Christ is a unity, a fellowship, a commitment to a local body of believers. In this there is the opportunity for great accountability, encouragement, fellowship, help, prayer, and service. Are we seeking a deep commitment between ourselves and the church? How does this look to commit oneself to a body of believers? How can we encourage, exhort, hold accountable, pray for, and help our brothers and sisters in Christ in the local body?

The final way that commitment is seen in the Scriptures is between the church and Christ. It is one of the more vivid examples and explanations of commitment. It is seen as a marriage relationship, the union of two individuals for life. This is the way that the Church is viewed in Ephesians 5 and it gives us deep insight into various other passages that refer to Christ as Head of the church, to Christ as ruling over His church. The idea of obedience and submission to Christ is mirrored in the obedience and submission of a wife to her husband. The love that Christ showed the church is seen in the love that a husband is to give his wife. The leadership shown by Christ is to be mirrored or seen in the leadership of His church and in individual families. Marriage from the beginning of time was meant to be life long, and lasting, and the same view is seen in the relationship of the Church to Christ. Is the church as a whole seeking obedience to our Lord and Master Jesus Christ? Is the church seeking His guidance and direction for our tasks? Do we desire to see Him glorified in the local body of believers looking to Him as our head?

Continue to seek the deeper relationship and commitment that God desires for you, through your individual commitment to Him. In your commitment to a local body are you seeking to use the gifts of God to the benefit, edification, and encouragement of the other believers? Is the church that you attend seeking the praise and glorification of God and Christ over their own glorification is the church seeking the way, the truth, and the life? Ask yourself, am I willing to “take up my cross and follow.”