HOPE 365 Toolbox - HOPE 365 - Growing Together

Commitment!  It can be a scary word sometimes…especially in this present day of “do whatever feels go for you” culture! Merriam-Webster dictionary defines commitment in this way: an act of committing to a charge or trust; an agreement or pledge to do something in the future; the state or an instance of being obligated to a cause.  

After reading the definition…how do you feel about the word now?  Well, maybe not any better than you did initially.  But the truth is, our lives are lived in daily commitment to something (work, school, home, car, retirement) or someone (spouse, kids, grandkids, parents) whether we like to acknowledge it or not.  We are created for community and we live in community.  Thus, commitment is part of the very fabric of life together. 

Commitments define us and give us purpose, focus and direction.  Without commitment (read the definition above again)…we are like a boat without a sail or rudder to guide and direct us.  With commitments in our lives we are challenged and we grow – mentally, spiritually, physically and socially!  So the question I have for you is…what kind of commitments are you prepared to make on a daily, weekly and yearly basis?  

Hebrews 10:23-25

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

You may have read these verses before…but please take time to pray over and meditate on what God is saying to you in those words?  

Our God sets before us a wonderful commitment in Himself – His Word that is living and active and so very powerful to change and move and redirect lives and history itself.   

I leave you with this final word – remembering that it is God’s grace that defines and redefines our lives!  Yet, it is that same grace that provides us with purpose, direction and a charge to make a difference for the future.  Please read over these familiar verses below from Ephesians 2:8-10 slowly.  Take your time…pause after each sentence…breathe God’s fresh word deep into your soul.  Read through the verses 3 or 4 times.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”