The Commitments

He always stands by his covenant– the commitment he made to a thousand generations…Psalm 105:8

Committed musicians are called Professional.

Committed students are called Honourable.

Committed workers are called Reliable.

Committed spouses are called Faithful.

Committed parents are called Dedicated.

Committed Christians are called Fundamentalists.

Like the F-word, the C-word has lost much of its prestige in these times of quick turnarounds and short attention spans. What was once a high-bar to leap for is now a lowering limbo pole. “How low can I go? (and still be a part of this relationship, team, etc.).” This is the question we quietly ask in our minds while robotically uttering promises we can’t keep and giving re-assurances w/ no guarantees.

Where I live, if you make an appointment with someone in advance, the commitment needs to be confirmed again or else the other party assumes it may not actually happen. I’ve been stood up like a dud many times, simply because I forgot to txt: “C U @ 3pm by the statn”. But I do confess: I’ve also been guilty of the same slippery crime.

These days, 10 years is an extended run for the average “Til’ Death Do Us Part”. Will the Golden Anniversary soon be changed from 50 years to 15? And has anyone noticed how many long term, life-altering commitments are sung during a typical church service? “You’re the only One…” “I will always…” “Forever I will…” How different the world would be if we lived on Monday like we sang on Sunday?

Jesus liked to remind his disciples that he prefers a solid “No” over a wavering “maybe” any day. And a cost counting “Yes” is always pure music to his ears, especially when the following actions keep a steady beat and actually stay in tune.

What is the Bible—but a story of tested commitment; a covenant between God and his people. He constantly keeps his end of the bargain with people who continue to look for loop holes and escape clauses. This is unconditional love.

If your life is overwhelmed and/or watered down with too many commitments? Maybe it’s time to cut out the maybes. Your life will not self-destruct as a result.

It will/might/may get better…

Still Stuck Together,
Brandon and Pamela
www.freedomhouse.org.uk