As written and presented by Mary Whelchel

PROGRAM D-6044

Do you remember the story of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus and asked what he needed to do to inherit eternal life? Jesus told him he needed to make a commitment: He needed to sell everything he had and give it to the poor, and then come follow Jesus. This young man became very sad when Jesus told him this, and he didn't follow-through because the commitment was too costly for him.

He made a decision not to make a commitment, but notice that it made him very sad, not happy. No doubt this was a huge commitment Jesus was asking of him, because Jesus knew that money was his god and he couldn't follow Jesus until he loved Jesus more than money. But Jesus was not asking him to do the impossible, nor was he trying to make his life miserable. Just the opposite. Jesus wanted him to have an abundant life, a life that cannot be bought with money. But he wasn't willing to make that commitment, and he went away sad.

Commitment comes with a price tag, whether it's a commitment to marry someone, or to take a job, or to work on a committee at church. And we should consider the cost of any commitment we make. But we should not fear commitment just because it has a cost, because commitments are the doorway to finding the freedom we're looking for.

For example, suppose you decide to be committed to reading and studying your Bible more. To make that happen, you commit to some structure that you impose on yourself to read the Bible systematically and regularly, and to keep a journal of what God says to you as you read. Then you start to reap the benefits of this commitment, as you see how God uses his Word to teach you, change you, comfort you and guide you.

Maybe you decide it's finally time to do something about your eating habits and you make a commitment to eat a more healthy diet with fewer calories. Then you have to pay the price of that commitment by not buying the junk food, not going to the fast food restaurants, not overeating, and putting veggies and fruits on your menu. When you pay that price you start to reap the benefits-like, you look better and feel better, you have more energy, you sleep better, and then you realize, that commitment is worth the price tag.

Perhaps you decide it's time for you to get more involved in your church, so you sign up for a small group study, and you spend time there weekly, and eventually you offer your home for a study, and that takes a little time and effort, even a little money. But what do you benefit? New friends, a support group, good information poured into your mind, wholesome relationships. It's a commitment worth the price.

There truly is wonderful freedom through being committed.

In my CD Album Our Spiritual Growth and Development you will hear lessons on self discipline and letting God take the lead. Call the ministry at 1-800-292-1218 or go online to www.christianworkingwoman.org to order your copy.

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