Skip to main content

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!

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Five Minute Fridays

Five Minute Fridays is where Gypsy Mama ( click here to visit her blog ) encourages everyone to write for five minutes. No edits. No over analyzing (which is the direct opposite of how I work and that's why I participate so I can get out of my comfort zone, learn, and grow). You can join too! Just write (or think) for five minutes. Today's topic is 'unexpected'. Unexpected Unexpected can be so good…. Like when that kind person at the grocery store with a full cart lets you in front since you only have a handful of items… Or when your friend calls you out of the blue just to say hey…. When you receive a gift just because…. Those kind words from the person you had no idea you meant anything to or even had an affect on… People can do things so unexpected. Then, there’s God. I know He is the Creator of everything. He loves unconditionally. He provides all things. God will never leave us or forsake us. God is always with us. God always has a plan. Still, when Go...
4 comments
Read more

Steadfast Love

         In the last few weeks, I have been struggling… I can see all the ways God blesses me. All the ways He provides. I know in almost all my posts since I started writing on this blog about two months ago have been about how God takes care of us. I’m telling you it is like an annoying habit! You focus for just a few days on what God’s provided for you, and then it becomes a constant way your mind works. (It’s kind of like how people are doing 30 days of thanks on Facebook. I know it seems redundant and maybe even a little annoying to you, but you see for those people posting daily status updates on thanks has become a habit. A way of life for them.)           So, what’s my struggle? It is about love. Do you ever wonder about love? Why does your friend love you when you know your singing gets on her last nerve? Why does your significant other love you when you would rather recount your entire d...
3 comments
Read more

31 Days of Commitment

Join me every day in October as I participate in the 2013 31 Days Challenge. The challenge is one shared by an ever-growing group of bloggers. The goal is simple: pick a topic and post on it every day. I am writing 31 Days of Commitment, a blog series with a focus on commitment. Psalm 37:5-6 "Commit your way to the Lord;     trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,     your vindication like the noonday sun." Be courageous enough to commit! Below will be links to each of my posts. Commit to reading two posts a week, every day, something in between, or visit twice a day! You can also find out what others are blogging about by category . There is something for everyone even a category titled 'Too Awesome to Categorize'. 31 Days of Commitment Day 1 - Committed to Who You Are   Day 2 -  Committed to Being a Child of God Day 3 - The Good vs. the Bad Day 4 - Everywhere You Go ...
1 comment
Read more