Commitment
Do you know what “believing” means? Are you sure? The simple definition means that we accept something as true or real. Next question, how committed are you to those truths or reality? For example, are you so committed to any life truth or reality that you would willingly die to prove that truth rather than to simply deny or reject it to save your life? If you’re like most, there aren’t very many, if any, situations where our beliefs are that vitally important, but there should be at least one. If that’s not a deep and profound question to you, you are either incredibly committed to your personal beliefs or you are not much of a “believer”. Which is it?
When it comes to spiritual beliefs, we know that there are people, even today, who are willing to die for their beliefs. We know there are soldiers, law enforcement personnel and firefighters who are willing to risk their lives to uphold their personal commitment to serve and protect. On the flip side of heroic, we know that even suicide terrorists, will die for their beliefs. Which illustrates two important points: 1) we need to deeply, not casually, understand the importance and value of our core beliefs and 2) we need to use logic to validate our understandings because we may yet be called upon to make our very own, important choice one day. Life as we know it, will inevitably end. That is an absolute, undeniable truth. Regarding that truth, the most popular approach to Christianity today is the “Just Believe” offer of a 2nd chance. Judas Iscariot believed, in Christ, but he wasn’t committed. He never sought forgiveness for his act of betrayal and quickly committed suicide. The Apostle Peter believed and then doubted and denied the Lord 3 times, but his deep remorse strengthened him. He overcame his lack of commitment and stayed the course. In resurrection, Jesus promised Peter salvation. Many people proclaim their “beliefs” but when pressured, their beliefs are forgotten, dismissed or ignored. There are others who have been persecuted with horrible outcomes because of their beliefs, but they have held firmly to them. The difference is commitment. Making and then living up to commitments regarding our core belief is what “just believe” really means. This is far too important to ignore. If we believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to the Father, redemption and salvation, that alone should be worthy of our absolute commitment now. If it isn’t, we’re not the believers that we’ve convinced ourselves that we are and the outcome likely won’t be what we hope for and passively rely on.
JC Calkins with COMMON SENSE4 UNCOMMON PEOPLE
No Comments