Commitment: Day 2

Devotion by: Victoria Wagner

Philippians 1:12-14

I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear.

The subject of commitment has always been one of my favorite subjects because I believe it’s one of the world’s greatest weaknesses. The dictionary describes commitment as an agreement or pledge to do something in the future. I always taught my children that when they promised to do something, they were committed to follow through on it, whether or not they wanted to do it. It wasn’t always a lesson well received!

In these verses from Philippians, Paul is writing from prison. He’s not in prison because he’s guilty of a crime, but rather because he’s advancing the Gospel. But, he obviously has not allowed his circumstances to interfere with his mission, or his life’s purpose. Paul had dedicated his life to Christ, and even being in prison has not kept him from his passion or his life’s mission. Actually, Paul’s not just in prison – he’s chained to a Roman guard, awaiting a trial that would probably end his life. Anyone would certainly understand if Paul took a sabbatical, given his circumstances, but instead of retreating, Paul actually writes one of his finest exhortations on what it means to be a follower of Christ.

Paul is committed to his mission as a servant and leader in Christ’s early church. How did he stay so focused? Perhaps Paul’s mission kept him motivated; perhaps Paul kept his priorities straight; perhaps he knew his God-given potential; and, I believe Paul had learned to live in the present, too.

In the words of George Washington Carver, “No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind him distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.”

Paul is the epitome of Mr. Carver’s words – Paul is committed to Christ, regardless of the circumstances or outcome. Do we receive this lesson well? What would you do if you knew someone had died to save you – would you commit your life to sharing the story? Let’s get committed to Christ!

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, I give thanks for the saints who have gone before us and left a legacy for us on how to be committed Christians. Commitment often means sacrifice, Lord, and who was more totally committed than You? Thank you for giving your life so that we may have eternal life with You. Here I am, Lord, let me serve. Amen.