People with “attitudes” are some of the most committed people, for better or for worse. People with bad attitudes often are people who have a single-minded purpose to disrupt, and generally cause chaos, and make others miserable. A different attitude inspires those who do that which is good.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was committed to a cause. Jesus had but one under-girding commitment and that was to do the will of His Father. “My meat is to do the will of Him Who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34). The Savior’s commitment to the Father was manifest by His commitment to bear the sins of the world and to die on the cross for the
redemption of mankind. He said, “For this cause came I to this hour. . .” (John 12:27). He spe of the hour of His death. All people on the face of the earth were the objects of Jesus’ love. They who believe in Him are the possessors of all the blessings that Jesus accomplished for them through His life, and death, and resurrection. Jesus’ attitude was one of love. “As the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you . . .” (John 15:9).
They who through faith have assimilated the love of Jesus are fitted to exercise a commitment that reflects the mind of Jesus. Commitment is not a half-hearted, disinterested nod to what is right, or to a cause. Commitment born of faith and drawing from the grace of God is manifest through a desire to serve God and glorify Him in all things. Commitment to the kingdom work, to the work of the synod and the local church, to one’s marriage, to one’s family, to one’s work! “Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Such commitment does not say, “I don’t care what happens in the work of the Lord’s kingdom or in my synod or church.” It does not say, “Let somebody else do it.” It does not say, “It is my spouse’s duty to make this marriage work or to raise the family.” The committed exercise their faith in all things according to the wisdom, the ability, the health that the Lord gives. Above all, the committed pray for that which is good, and for the faith to reflect the commitment of Jesus to the extent that such commitment is possible for mortals.
May God who is gracious, long-suffering, and ready to forgive, forgive us our sins, and renew in us each day the zeal to be committed Christians!