A Lack of Commitment
June 19th, 2009My wife and I love camping, but have not been able since our four-year old was born. Now with a four year old and two 18 month old boys, we found the prospect a bit daunting. So we decided to try camping in our back yard. In doing so, we were prepared to flee back to our house at the sign of any problem. We even set the tent up close to the house to make our escape easier and went inside to use the bathroom, get a drink of water, wash our hands, etc. There was no commitment. We might as well have stayed in our house. The only difference was an uncomfortable night of sleeping on the ground. Our lack of commitment caused us to give up the best of both staying home and camping. Unfortunately, many Christians suffer from a lack of commitment as well. They want to follow Christ, but still be a part of the world. When this happens they lose the benefits of being with Christ. In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus discusses three thoughts that cause us to suffer from a lack of commitment.
The first is the thought of discomfort (Luke 9:57-58). We might think this man is courageous saying he will follow Jesus wherever he goes, but saying something is different from doing something. It is clear from Jesus’ response this man has not really considered what “wherever” means. He probably thought everything would be great following Jesus—no problems, no worries in addition to being with the Messiah. Jesus informs him that “wherever” is going to be uncomfortable; it going to mean being without a home; it is going to mean long hot days of walking; it going to mean sleeping on the ground. Are we really prepared to follow Jesus when it is not convenient to our lifestyle? Are we really ready to follow Jesus even when it is uncomfortable and awkward to do so? If not, we are suffering from a lack of commitment.
The second is the thought of losing our priorities (Luke 9:59-60). We might consider this man to have a valid reason for delaying his service to Christ, but during these times the dead were buried on the same day they died. If this man’s father had been dead already this man would have been burying him not talking to Jesus. Is father was probably old and sick and he wants to tend to him until he is dead, but who knows how long this is going to be? The real problem is the man’s priorities. Notice he says: “let me first.” He has given burying his father more importance than following Jesus. In his mind, following Jesus is what he can do after all the important tasks are finished. When it comes to following Jesus, there is no waiting for “this” or “that” happens—we have to place Him first! Have we truly place Him before all else in our lives (house, jobs, families, hobbies, etc.)? If not, we are suffering from a lack of commitment.
The third is the thought of losing our past (Luke 9:61-62). We might consider this man’s request reasonable, but it clear from Jesus’ response that he was having trouble giving up his past. His interests were divided between his life with his family and his life following Christ. Following Christ, however, is more important than anything else and His message is urgent. His followers must be devoted to his cause, not constantly thinking of what life used to be like or what we gave up for Christ. We cannot plow straight rows if we are always looking back. Have we truly put our past behind us and become a new person (cf. Romans 6:1-7)? If not, we are suffering from a lack of commitment.
True followers are not going to let discomfort keep them from serving Christ. They will not let their own plans get in the way. They will make Jesus their priority and the focus of their lives. This is what it means to be committed to Christ.
