Gerry van der Wende: A Decision or a Commitment?

A Decision or a Commitment?
July 24, 2011
Romans 12:1-2

Introduction

When I was in my teens and 20's I took up cross country running
I was the top cross country runner at my high school, I was second in our zone, and I came in 26th in the state cross country championship
There are a lot of comparisons that can be drawn between running a race and the Christian journey
Paul uses this analogy a number of times in his writings and letters
There comes a point in every race where the competitor commits to finishing the race
Until then, he has made a decision to run the race, but a deeper level of commitment comes along the journey.
Romans 12:1 Living sacrifices
Today we are going to talk about our Christian journey - is it a decision we made or have we made a commitment?

Our decision for Christ

Eph 2:1-5
There was a time in our lives when we had not made the decision to allow Jesus to be out Lord and Savior
We lived just as the world around us live, we fitted in with society, and did the things society led us to do
By God's grace, he led us to accept salvation through Jesus
Do you remember that day?
It was a day when we experienced the relief of our sins being forgive, the guilt rolling off our back, and hope entering our lives through God's love
Wasn't it awesome?
Remember what it was like in the days before this
It was probably a time of struggle, a time of wrestling with a decision we knew we had to make
But when we finally answered that call to cross the line to obedience, it was such a relief!

The journey is not easy

Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that he came so that we may have life, and have it to the full
This is awesome, and is a great encouragement to us
But don't take these words out of context
He is comparing the Good Shepherd to the thief who kills steals and destroys
Jesus also tells us that the Christian life is not going to be easy street
Matt 5:11-12
The prophets too, were not popular, and some of them died for their faith
Hebrews 11
Paul speaks of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Rahab, and then he lists a large group of servants of God, who experienced pain in the course of their ministry
Verse 32-40
These people had accepted their call, in other words, they decided to obey God's mission for their lives
But they were committed to it as well, and persevered to the end
It's not the person who starts the race fast, who necessarily wins the race, and receives commendation
It is he who finishes the race
These prophets had committed to completing their assignment, their journey
We too have made a decision to be obedient to God
But it is in the actions of our daily lives that we make a commitment to finish the job
God does not want weaklings in his family
Matt 11:12
God is looking for forceful people, who have made a commitment and who will never surrender, who will advance his Kingdom

Commitment is a way of life

Commitment is not something you decide to do one day
Commitment is a lifestyle
It affects everything you do
When we marry, is it a decision or a commitment?
The percentage of people who divorce, is just as high among Christians as it is in society
This should not be so!
When we make our wedding vows, they are for life! God hates divorce
There are some exceptions given, certain situations when divorce is permissible
But God never intended us to divorce
A marriage is a sacred thing. It is worth fighting for. When the flame of love has died down, rekindle it, work at it.
But this takes commitment
When a job is not fun any more is it a time to leave and find a new one, or is it a time to grit our teeth and make something of it?
When we have found the place God wants us to be in the body, do we commit to it, saying "this is where I belong, this is where God wants me to fellowship, and where he wants me to tithe, support, help out, serve, and help the Kingdom grow"?
Commitment is a lifestyle
He does not like people who are half-hearted in their obedience to his calling
Rev 3:16
It is committed people God looks for

Conclusion

So let's examine ourselves
Are we committed Christians, or merely people who made a decision years ago but have not really followed through on that decision?
God doesn't tell the Laodiceans they are no-hopers
Instead, he says to them to change their ways
Verses 17-19
Examine your life today
We started talking about a cross country race
Are you a committed Christian?
Are you running a race that you will finish?
Are you committed in your total lifestyle?

Prayer

Gerry van der Wende