Freedom

Commitment is an agreement or pledge to do something. Commitments can be easily made; but it takes more than words to make a commitment come true. It takes work. Many have stood at and altar and made commitments that they never kept. Many have made financial commitments that they never kept. Others have committed to doing things they never finished. I like what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1Timothy 1:15
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

1Timothy 1:16
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Paul is telling us that he was an awful sinner but God still showed him mercy and because of what Christ had done for him that Paul was committed to serving the Lord Jesus. Paul's commitment would be seen by others, and others will see that Christ will save anyone. The pattern is seen in Paul and his love for his Lord and Savior and his commitment. I am afraid that there are too many half-hearted so called commitments. They fooled themselves about following Christ and as Paul wrote in 1Timothy 1:19
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: They put away their faith and by doing so they shipwrecked. There have always been half hearted commitments; Jesus had something to say about them. Luke 6:46
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

Jesus challenged people to be wholehearted about their commitment, counting the cost of following him beforehand. Why is it important to walk wholehearted? It's too easy to end up committed to a Christian program or church rather than being committed to Christ. It's too easy to commit to following "rules" of Christianity rather than being committed to Christ. Following "rules" can become confining and confusing. Following Jesus is about relationship not rules. Following Jesus brings freedom and life. Following Jesus is a matter of choice made on a daily basis; but I must warn you that if you make that choice to follow it will not be the easiest road to take. Follow the life of Paul and you will see he spent a lot of time behind bars he was beaten and left for dead. It would have been easy for him to quit; he could tell himself this is more than I can bear, but he didn't and because he didn't we have a pattern. If someone were to look at my life what would they say? Would they say I was committed to Christ? Am I setting a pattern? What would others say about you?