Decision vs. Commitment

Let's review! We differentiated between making a decision to follow Christ and being committed to Him. Remember the illustration we used of the pig and the hen who are discussing donating a couple of bacon and egg breakfasts to the local charity fundraiser? The hen gives an egg or two (a donation) but the pig's contribution of a ham constitutes a commitment!

We used Romans 12:1-2 as our text:

"Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view
of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as
living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will."

A living sacrifice? Being a sacrifice is definitely a commitment! It is much more than a decision. It is a commitment to give all for the Lord. Time. Talent. Resources. Everything. We talked about making a commitment to grow. We emphasized the importance of commitment to the local body. We also looked at the need for commitment to ministry.

In practical terms, what does it look like to make a decision, and how is that different from a firm commitment?

Well here are some examples:

In the area of commitment to spiritual growth:

Decision - I decide to study the Bible more. I do it for a week or so, but then get distracted and fizzle out.

Commitment - I commit to study the Bible more, and I do it. I ask for accountability on it, and give my accountability partner permission to check in with me about my struggles. I KEEP GOING!

In the area of commitment to a local body:

Decision - I decide that my family will be in church every Sunday and that we all will get involved in small groups. We go faithfully for a few weeks, but then we make other plans on a given Sunday. It happens again three weeks later, and then two weeks after that. Within a few weeks, we are back to our old ways.

Commitment - I commit to being in church every Sunday and getting into a small growth group. I go faithfully on Sundays and when "activities" come along, I choose to work the other activity around my church commitment. My small group becomes important to me, and I regularly attend and participate. When I must miss either of these because of vacation or being sick, I notice that I miss it a lot!

In the area of commitment to ministry:

Decision - I decide to join the weekly prayer ministry. I attend meetings for several weeks, but find it difficult to remember to pray for people between meetings. Gradually I start missing prayer meetings.

Commitment - I commit to join the prayer ministry. I attend meetings and make notes of what the prayer needs are. I put the list in my Bible so I can pray for people during the week. I also start sending cards of encouragement to those that are on the list.

A decision is like "trying something out to see if it works." A commitment is saying "no matter what, I will do this until God says not to."

What are your thoughts?