As Soon As…

We get the children back into school and settled down then we’ll make a commitment…
We get the football, soccer and cheerleading season behind us…
We get through the busyness of the holidays…
We get basketball and baseball season behind us…
We get past April 15th…
We get back from spring break…
We get the kids out of school and our schedule gets better…
We get back from summer vacation…
We get the children back, oops! I’ve already used that one…
We change jobs…
We finish our education…
We finish building the house…
We lose 30 pounds…
We get new toofies…
Our hairline stops receding…
My gas goes away… then we’ll be ready to make a commitment…
And the list goes on…

And what excuse will we make when we stand before God because our lack of commitment had an eternal impact on our children and everyone else in our circle of influence?

Don’t you think it’s about time that we stop making excuses because serving God isn’t convenient and get serious about our relationship with God and the mission that He has assigned to us?

- Pastor Al Hill

Commitment Communicates…

So what does commitment communicate? It communicates value. If we ask someone to be committed to something, then we believe that the endeavor is valuable enough to get others involved in. It says that what we are doing, deserves the time and resources of others, as well as our own. God values His redemptive plan so much that He made the investment of His only Son Jesus. And He also ask us to get on board and make a whole hearted commitment to Him.

Our commitment to Him communicates that we value what He has asked us to do. Commitments asked for and given both indicate value. What we give ourselves to the most is what we value the most. If we aren’t careful we’ll find ourselves making commitments to the wrong things. Or maybe, at the wrong times. What do you value the most? Look at what gets the bulk of your time, resources and thoughts. These are surefire clues to what you are committed to.

How much time does your relationship with God get? Your spouse and children? Church? All of these are important in our lives and necessary.

For just a minute, I want to talk about the church. The body of Christ, the instrument that God has chosen to use to fulfill His purposes and in particular, Glorious Life Church. Do you value your church enough to be faithful? To serve in the ministries of the church? To give of your resources so the church can effectively do ministry?

We are asking you to make a commitment to Glorious Life Church. A commitment to the work of God through this body of people. A commitment to yourself. You are the church. Let’s make a commitment together that shows how much we value this great church.

Audience Expectations

If Jesus would have advertised for followers that is how it would have read? Following Christ isn’t a matter of convenience. It is not something that can be done without bringing a level of sacrifice to our lives. True followers of Christ can’t follow only when they feel like it or when we can fit it into our schedule. Or should I say fit Him into our schedule. Jesus once had a man say “I’ll follow you but first let me go and bury my father”. Jesus responded by saying “Your business is life not death”. Another said, “I’ve bought a field and need to go check it out” and someone else said “I’ve bought some new oxen and need to take them for a test drive”. Then another excuse maker said “I’ve just gotten a new wife and need to go hang out with her”.

While yet one who deems himself to be more religious comes along and asks “what must I do to inherit a place in your kingdom”? After verifying that he had kept all of the Ten Commandments, Jesus told him that there was one thing he lacked. “Go and sell all your goods and give them to the poor and then you can follow me”. Wow! Does Jesus know what buttons to push or what? He knows what we are unwilling to let go of to follow him. The Bible tells us that this man went away sad. He was religious but he wasn’t willing to let go of his wealth even to bless the poor. He had an attachment to his wealth whereas the others mentioned previously had things or relationships that they wouldn’t let go of. What is it that you won’t let go of to commit to Christ? What sacrifices are you unwilling to make to advance the kingdom? What inconveniences will you not personally allow for ministry to others? Who will die and go to Hell on your watch? Who will not be reached because you couldn’t or wouldn’t work it in? Hopefully, not your children or families. We can rest assured that our lack of commitment has an effect on those around us. This is the kingdom of God. Its advancement comes with a cost. It costs God his only begotten Son. It cost Jesus His life. It cost the disciples of the Bible their lives and even their families. There is a cost to following Christ. It may not cost us our lives physically but it will cost. If it doesn’t then we probably aren’t following Christ. It will cost us time, money, discomfort, extra effort, more love, stretching our faith and doing things we’ve never done before. However, the benefits far outweigh the costs.

There still remains a cost for everyone who desires to follow Christ. You and God alone know what your particular cost will be. Unless you are willing to pay it, then don’t even bother. Serious Inquirers Only.