Radical Commitment (2)

“Take up your cross daily, and follow me.” Lk 9:23 NLT

Let’s consider: (1) Commitment at work. In the past, employers valued their workers and workers valued their employers. But today’s workplace has become increasingly adversarial, with workers resenting their bosses and doing the bare minimum, while bosses are often demanding and take their employees for granted. God’s way calls for mutual commitment. “Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily…with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you're really serving God” (Eph 6:6-7 MSG). If you are an employer, take note who you represent—God. (2) Commitment at church. Many folks have a casual, cafeteria-style approach to church. They pick what they like—and leave what they don’t. Jesus said, “I will build my church” (Mt 16:18 NIV). And membership in it calls for a covenant relationship between believers: one in which we agree to encourage, nurture, protect, cherish, pray for each other, and fulfill our mission together (See 1Co 12:12-31). (3) Commitment to Christ. Jesus made a radical commitment to us through His birth, life, suffering, crucifixion, and death, and He asks us to commit radically to Him. “Then he said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.’” That means you no longer follow your own wishes or will, but follow the Lord, His wishes and His will. That’s radical commitment, and it’s what God expects from you.

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