We know that God wants us to be committed, but what areas of our lives do we need to show this commitment? 1) Commitment at work. In the past, employers valued their workers and workers valued their employers. But today, workers often resent their bosses and do the bare minimum, while bosses can often be demanding and take their employees for granted. God’s way calls for mutual commitment. ‘Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily…with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God’ (Ephesians 6:6-7 MSG). Whether we’re an employer or an employee, we need to remember that we’re ultimately working for God. 2) Commitment at church. We can often have a casual approach to church. We pick what we like and leave what we don’t. But when we’re committed to our church, we can work to encourage, nurture, protect, cherish, pray for each other, and fulfil our mission together (have a look at 1 Corinthians 12:12-31). We can make more of an impact outside of the church when we’re more committed inside the church. 3) Commitment to Christ. Jesus made a radical commitment to us through His birth, life, suffering, and death, and He asks us to commit radically to Him. ‘Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”’ That means we no longer follow our own wishes or will, but follow God. That’s radical commitment, and it’s what God wants from us.

What Now?

Choose one of the areas in the reading: work, church, or Christ. Think of one way you could improve your commitment in that area, and then put it into practice.