Commitment

Some even call it the “C” word today, as if to shame commitment. The demands and costs of commitment seem too great to many people, and convenience often wins out over the sacrifice involved in being committed to someone or something.

It was the same in Jesus’ day. As He began to unveil a new way of life, critics challenged Him on the difficulties of keeping the marriage commitment (Matthew 19:3, 7). Later, even His own disciples wanted to send away some “bothersome children” in order to deal with more “important” things (Matthew 19:13). But Jesus remained committed to the children.

The discussion of divorce followed appropriately on the heels of Jesus’ remarks about the merits of boundless forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35). What better way to lead into the topic of commitment? Jesus didn’t ignore the problems and failures of human relationships. Those very shortcomings are what make forgiveness, which is a special kind of commitment to others, crucial.

The vital necessity of commitment is also reinforced in Jesus’ next encounter, with a rich man who wanted to ensure his possession of eternal life (Matthew 19:16-30). The man proposed rule-keeping as the standard by which he should be judged, but Jesus countered with an appeal for service (Matthew 19:21). True wealth involved a higher commitment: serving the Lord and others rather than the idol of material gain (Matthew 19:23, 29).

Followers of Christ are known for their commitments, to marriage, to family, to community, to work, and above all to Jesus Christ. Such loyalty today is much needed, when people often make vows of convenience rather than of commitment.

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.