“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4 (NIV)

I purchased a piece of luggage a few years ago with a pledge of quality tag attached. It read, we have been making luggage since 1910. It’s no wonder we stand behind our products. We sincerely believe that our luggage is the best in the world. We put our products through rigorous tests to ensure that the luggage you trust is built to the highest standards. You will probably never encounter a problem with this luggage, but in the unlikely event that within ten years from the original purchase, you discover a problem caused by defects in either workmanship or materials, we’ll be happy to see that it is fixed or replaced if we decide that would be best.

This secular company committed to guarantee my satisfaction with their product or do what it takes to make me happy. They made a vow to stand behind their products. 

If a secular company makes a pledge and upholds it for over a hundred years, what about God’s people? This company went all in and fully committed to their customers. 

God needs His people to have the same mindset as this secular company—to go all in. Going all-in means we have to make some sacrifices. Sacrifice is interrelated with unconditional surrender. Romans 12:1 explains it well. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1 NIV).

Commitment also calls for sincerity, honesty, and genuineness of purpose. It pleases God when we work for Him without seeking brownie points. Anna, the intercessor, in Luke 2:36-38, is an excellent example of this type of person. She was widowed after seven years of marriage. She didn’t sit around mourning and pitying herself. Anna devoted herself to temple work, fasting, praying, and encouraging others about the coming Messiah until she passed away at the age of eighty-four.

A committed person is also flexible; they can adapt and adjust to changing environments. We place limitations on God and ourselves when we are unaccommodating and rigid. God used Paul to do great things because of his ability to adapt. We can do like Paul and learn to be like a chameleon—change when necessary. Paul declared in Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV),  “…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…”

There are other qualities that a person of commitment must possess, but I will end with this one, patience. A patient person has the ability to wait on God’s timing even under challenging situations. 

I believe this is one of the virtues that God is trying to teach us through COVID 19. We are an impatient people. We are used to INSTANCE and DRIVE-THROUGH. But God sees what’s ahead, and He is building us for the future. He knows we are going to need patient endurance. The need for us to have patient endurance is spoken of several times in the book of Revelation (1:9, 13:10, 14:14) and 2 Corinthians 1:6. 

Patience has to be cultivated in most of us. According to Romans 5:3-4, patience comes through tests and trials. “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

And there we have it, my sisters and brothers, the sooner we become fully committed and learn some patience, we might see ourselves on the other side of this pandemic. Let’s renew our commitment to God and His work!

Pray…

Lord, I want to be more committed to You and Your ways. Help me to allow You to build the virtues in me that I need to love and serve You better. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Posted by on Wednesday, July 15th, 2020 @ 11:09AM
Categories: Empowering, Encouragement, Inspirational