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Commitment Day 3

This is the third post in a 31 day series. Click here to view posts by day.

Commitment - Day 3

The Good vs. the Bad

After I typed that title, I noticed my fingers stopped. This post is not going to be about good vs bad in the sense of evil. It is also not about one side being more preferable than the other (although I am sure most all of us can say without hesitation we usually prefer good to bad even without picking a topic or category).

The word commitment is typically described in two ways. The first is 'the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.'. The second is 'an engagement or obligation'. One definition I read literally stated 'an obligation that restricts freedom of activity'. Wow!

Maybe it is just me, but the two definitions sound like they're at odds with one another. It makes you want to pick one over the other. I much prefer the first. Why? Well, the second description sounds bad in comparison as if a commitment is not a choice but a have-to no if's, and's, or but's about it!! (How do you feel about the second definition after reading the first? I mean 'restricts freedom of activity' does not sound favorable!!)

The sad part is....I totally get that second definition. To be honest most of the time commitment does seem like a not so fun obligation. Today basically all of my to do's I dreaded. I did not look forward to a meeting because I HAD to be there. Uh, it was such a pleasant, not stressful meeting with a free meal...? I wasn't excited about Zumba class (which I love!!!!). The only reason I wasnt happy to be going: because I told myself earlier in the week I could NOT miss class tonight. I was even having a hard time with this post... not because I haven't had lots of thoughts to share but because I had committed to making each post better than the last and nothing today seemed quite as important as the first two posts. 

In scripture after God used Moses to lead the Israelites after some time of wondering in the wilderness (don't we all know about wondering in wildernesses?!), God told Joshua that he would be the one to lead the Israelites to the Promise Land. There's a lot more to this story, so I encourage you to read it! I want to share with you what scripture tells us God said to Joshua once He command Joshua to lead the people to the Promise Land.

"Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be terrified. Do not lose hope. I am The Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere." Joshua 1:9 

Here is a thought: you don't have to tell a courageous man to be brave. Obviously, Joshua had reservations about what The Lord was commanding or the Heavenly Father wouldn't have taken the time to tell Joshua to be strong and brave.

I'm not suggesting that Joshua was a coward. I am pointing out that God commands us to do what He knows we are capable of doing (not what we think we're supposed to do or what we should be able to do) AND Christ promises to be with Joshua the entire time!

For me, when commitment seems more like an obligation than a choice... When it feels like work to be who He has called me to be.... When I am struggling to stay committed to my Lord in EVERY aspect of my life.... I remember Christ's commitment to us: 'I will be with you everywhere you go.' For me, that is more than enough!

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