Luke 9:62 – Jesus replied, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (NIV)

The year was 1965. I was trying to decide what I should do with my life, and I wanted to be sure that I was making the right decision. I finally decided to fulfill the call to fulltime ministry that came to me when I gave my heart to Jesus on September 15, 1957.

I confirmed my decision as I knelt by my bed in prayer. I would be applying to be trained as a pastor at The Salvation Army College for Officer Training in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. Each new group of candidates who enter the College for Officers receive a name given to them by the General of The Salvation Army. My group was called "The Witnesses to the Faith".

I told my father first and then the rest of my family. My father didn't say a word for several minutes. Then he cleared his throat and said, "Don't do it unless you are fully committed." That was it! I had his blessing, and I knew exactly what he meant.

I had done my share of plowing the fields at home, making them ready for planting potatoes each spring. I well remember the times when I was so physically tired that I wanted to leave the plow in the middle of the field, unhitch the horse, and go home. But I needed to finish the job that I had started.

My father was right! There have been times in my ministry over the past 57 years since my ordination on June 16, 1967, when I have been mentally, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted. But I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!

Being involved in full-time ministry is a huge commitment. To take up one's cross and follow Jesus is not a holiday nor a part-time job — it is a calling! It takes nothing less than the all-encompassing grace of God through the Holy Spirit to stay the course.

1 Kings 8:61 – But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time. (NIV)

How about you? Has God called you to serve Him in some specific way? Don't do it unless you are fully committed to the Lord: heart, mind, soul, and spirit.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for saving us, calling us, and equipping us. We pray that we will continue to get to know You personally, that our hearts and lives will be fully committed to You, that we will live by Your standards, and that we may remain true to You by Your grace, which is sufficient. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen!

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About the author:

Stephen French <sfrench3@telus.net>
Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
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