Commitment – Day 49

A significant part of the Lenten season is commitment.  We are committing to something that is different than what we have been doing.  For some, the commitment is to fasting.  We will often hear people talk about something they are giving up for Lent.  It could be their favorite meal, social media or maybe a most-watched show.  It is an act of giving up something which holds importance or significance in life. Others will commit to doing something which will help in the exploration of their walk with God.  This could look like reading a devotional, spending more time in prayer, studying the Bible, attending services of worship, or giving of an offering.  The two ideas really go together.  Either giving up or giving time to something special is the idea.  

Lent can also be a time of exploration.  I mention this because for me, personally, it is a time to listen to God and find out where I am missing it.  Where is it that I need to grow or what it is that I need to stop doing?  What is it about my life that may be hiding my light under a basket?  What actions am I doing which do not align with my values?  It is about taking a long, difficult look at my own actions and seeking God’s guidance.  Admittedly, this time of exploration could lead to a type of fasting – giving up something which is hindering my growth.  It could also lead to a type of giving additional time to something which would help me become more like Christ.  It all works together.

But in all of this, commitment is required.  It is a 40 day commitment to something outside of our norm.  It is a time period set aside we commit to the Lord.  It is unlike any other time.  And commitment can be difficult.  It will seem as if our lives clash with the commitments we make.  It may even be a fight for us to keep those commitments.  The important part is to continue to do the work.  Even when we fail for a day or things don’t go well, don’t stop.  The commitment is key.  Continue to do the hard work.  Continue to hear God.  Continue to explore where you can grow and what needs to be changed.  Don’t quit.  Commit to becoming more like Christ.  It will be worth it in the end.