Commitment phobia

     Most of us have a fear of commitment to some degree.  It may take us 20 minutes to decide what to order at a restaurant or four weeks of shopping to find just the right dress for a special occasion.  Making a commitment to God is a difficult choice.  It's much easier to want to commit your life to him than it is to follow through and actually do it.  Committing to God isn't just accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, it's changing our life to serve Him.  When we choose to follow Christ we must do so not only by our actions, but most importantly by our hearts.  

     For some Christians, the commitment ends with accepting Jesus as their savior.  They believe in Him, but taking further action is outside their comfort zones.  For others, they can commit to all the time and service their church asks of them, but can't commit their hearts.  These people are often very unhappy.  They volunteer, take meals to the sick, teach Sunday school when asked and may even lead a Bible study.  Their hearts aren't in it and while they are obedient to God, they haven't found the joy in loving God.  It's more of a checklist for them.  Others have committed with their hearts and truly love God.  They read their Bibles diligently, pray often and attend church with more regularity than their pastor.  They become so wrapped up with worshiping God, they forget to serve Him.  

1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.


Numbers 30:2 When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.

     God wants us to commit to Him with our hearts and actions.  He wants us to pray, read and study His Word.  He also wants us to serve Him by serving others.  We won't all serve Him the same.  He gave each of us different gifts and we all have different lives.  God understands that mothers of young children are at a different stage in life than a couple who have grown married children.  Our service to God will likely change as we age because our lives change.  Before I had all of my children, I was the children's ministry coordinator at my church.  As our family expanded, I realized I couldn't keep up my responsibilities to my family and my duties at church.  I felt guilty even with reassurances from everyone that it wasn't the right season of my life to commit to something that required ongoing attention.  Once I accepted that I was able to see that I could serve more effectively by helping with 2-3 annual events rather than a year round program.  By searching your talents and abilities and accepting God's plan for you, it will be much easier to serve him both with your whole heart and with your life.  Serving God should make you happy and you should find joy in helping others.