Commitment

I have a premise; commitment is as much about hope and faith as it is about trust and confidence.  When someone commits to a team, cause, or initiative, the reasons behind it usually center on their values, priorities, and desires.  While other things may be there, confidence, knowledge, experience, reward, or recognition, long term commitment does not, probably will not, come from the “other” things.  A life’s puzzle lies in the fact that we often solicit, gain, and express commitment in terms of the “other”.  The paradox isn’t lost of those watching from a distance.  True commitment, the kind expressing belief and passion, comes from the intangibles of life.  Often these are the “things” people give up their lives to protect.
 
I find myself looking behind the scenes when I hear serious commitment.  What is driving the behavior?  Is it something I should take time to understand?  Will my life be better because of what is there?  There is a simple line in John’s record of Jesus’ disciplines.  “Thomas, the one called the Twin, said to his companions, ‘Come along.  We might as well die with him.’”  (John 11.16)  What caused Thomas to make such a bold statement?  There didn’t seem to be any demand for such allegiance.  I do not find someone threatening his life.  Yet the commitment to the cause was absolute.
 
The more I watched this character the more I see a pattern emerging.  He was committed to a cause based on his values, priorities, and desires to be part of an historical cause.  This was the reason to live.  As a result Thomas lived and changed the course of history.
 
I wonder if I am committed.  I would hope so but there are quiet moments where I wonder.  The externals do not bother me; rather it is the knowledge of my values, priorities, and desires.  Last night colleagues reminded me about things in life more important than financial results.  I owe them a debt because in the process I rediscovered my true commitment.  Divinity is inviting you to rediscover the same today.