02/08/09

Our pastor spoke on commitment this morning. With Valentine's Day approaching this week I decided I'd put down some thoughts about it.

Commitment is important to me and I have been modeled it all of my life by my parents. They have both shown commitment to a way of living (farming) that didn't always make money, they didn't always get paid, and there were lots of times when they were hard-pressed, but I never realized times were tough. They were committed to each other and those hard times made that commitment of their marriage to grow even stronger. Because that was modeled for me, I am always desiring that commitment in my own marriage, family and work.

It seems that in today's world there is not much commitment anymore. People seem to only be committed to "Me, Myself, and I" that there is no room for any others.

In thinking of the job situations in our economy today I feel companies are like that, too. I realize I am not the most educated person in the areas of finance, but it seems to me some of these companies are letting go of their people because they are in a bad spot - - they didn't make as much money as they did last year at this time. Instead of being committed to their employers, they say "Nice to know ya... here ya go." They are looking at the ever love of the dollar instead of the person who is sitting behind the desk working hard at what they do every day.

The flip side of that would be those that choose to leave a job because of being unsatisfied. Believe me, I totally understand that there are some jobs out there that aren't for everyone and you can't stay there long. What I mean is those that "job hop." The person that can never be content or settle in to one place because it is not "perfect" or leaving for more money when what they now make is sufficient. Early in our marriage, Steve did the "job hopping" and it drove me crazy. I was raised in a family that were dairy farmers for 40 years and then after we had to go out of dairy business, Daddy went out on his own doing a hauling business (which he still does) that was basically in the same field. Steve had to learn that commitment to a job was important and to be content with where he was. The Lord has helped him come a long way in learning that contentment and commitment.

I think of relationships and commitment. Relationships take hard work. I had someone at the shower I went to yesterday keep saying that marriage was a "J-O-B... JOB!" I understand why that was said, but I don't fully agree. I feel it is a COMMITMENT. There are going to be tough times in a marriage... or even a friendship... but you continue with the love or friendship because you are committed. When I shared the "job" example above with my parents last night I loved what they said: "It isn't a JOB... it is a JOY." What a perspective! I know not everyone out there has the perfect marriage or relationships but when you are committed, you stay faithful.

The Bible talks much of commitment. Jesus was committed to taking our sins away when He died on that cross. He loves us SO much that He chose to do that for us. He could have backed out. He had the ability to leave that cross, but He didn't. He is faithful... He is committed.

How much are we committed to the Lord? There are so many times we only think of "Me, Myself and I" and only come to God when problems arise. We ask for prayers when we lose that job, have troubles with relationships, troubles with a spouse, but every other time we are only out for what is best for us at the moment. When the good times are around we sometimes forget that commitment. God is then "put on a shelf" until we "need" Him again.

God is always there. Are we always there to receive Him?

Commitment.

It's a strong word.

Hebrews 13:5b, 6, 8
...and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.