Committed?

1 Samuel 2:3 – Talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from your mouth; for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. (ESV)

My local Member of Parliament (MP) has shown by his actions that he is man of integrity and commitment to get things done or highlighted as in need of action, and for that he is to be commended. In recognition of his erudition, he has a key role in government. It is my opinion that this man will not be found in the papers for any scandal because of the standards to which he holds himself. I know him first-hand, not as a friend but as an advocate in my case against the tax department.

I say this in contrast to another MP I heard on the radio recently, who said that the government was fully committed to a particular course of action. The content of his comment is not my concern here. This was a lazy, stock-in-trade statement that met with the derision that it deserved by many who knew otherwise and could see his apparent indifference to address the issue at hand.

Over the years, I have noticed so many politicians worldwide who pay lip-service to an idea or action, but in the due course of time, they are either corporately or personally found to be wanting. They will have to give account one day, faced with Jesus in heaven; meanwhile they carry on their self-serving facade.

It made me think about what it is to be committed as a Christian. As an old Religious Education (RE) teacher, I help my daughter answer her RE homework, and, in the process, it reminds me of things long forgotten.

Many religions profess to be the way to enlightenment, peace, and heaven. Even Jesus says the same, but there is a difference. Jesus shows us His commitment by His actions, dying in our place on a cross, paying the price for us then, and continuing to walk with us now.

Jesus does not promote extreme asceticism as the way to inner peace nor does He justify killing to promote a particular religion, including Christianity, to triumph over others. He does not leave us to our fate, watching indifferently from heaven. He is the One Who will deliver eternal justice and call everyone to account.

He is the One Who is there when we need Him, and He is there when we do not. Through our interactions, we shall come to know Him. When we are weary, He will be found to bring us rest.

I wonder what Jesus will say about our side of commitment — to Him — when we come face to face in heaven one day? What will our actions display of our commitment? Will they live up to our words and good intentions?

Prayer: Lord, You are committed to help us in our everyday lives, willing to bring salve to the broken-hearted, hope to the lonely, and comfort to the bereft. Your yoke is easy, and Your burden is light. In this, we rejoice in Jesus as our Saviour. Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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