The Daily Word

 

I was thinking today of the word ‘commitment’ and the verb it comes from, ‘to commit’. Probably the most frequent use of the word ‘commit’ is associated with a crime. But like many English words, it has multiple but related meanings. When a person is learning to swim, then we could use the word ‘commit’ to that first time they manage to float or swim unaided, they have committed themselves to the water. They have gained confidence that the water will support them. I still remember the first time I found myself floating and even moving in the water, as I learned to swim in the sea of all places!

Another similar meaning to that can be found with the speech the new Labour leader gave yesterday, he has committed himself to reform, because that is the way he believes will move Britain forward. He has made a decision to take a certain political path, and we all hope that it will bring results to what is a struggling population.

When we put our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, we trusted Him to forgive us our sin and to give us eternal life. But whether we realised it or not, we effectively committed the whole of our life on earth into His care. That commitment for life breaks down into practical day-to-day commitment and Proverbs 3 verse 6 is a verse we need to apply to every single day and every single life decision we take, “In all your ways acknowledge him and He shall direct your paths.” We all need God’s guidance to live for Him, but it will only come if we consciously commit our ways and life to Him daily. Otherwise we are just trusting to our own understanding. So if there is any word we need to take in and apply it is the word Commitment, and commitment to God for Him to guide us into His peaceful and true paths in life. 

Article written by Brian Preston, Elder @SFGH Church