Commitment

English football is in turmoil in the strangest of places.  The league leading manager is threatening, at less the press thinks so, to quit because he isn’t getting public support from the board for his latest temper tantrum.  Two leading players are suspended for fighting and they are both on the same team!  Top finishing teams are already whining about the reasons for not coming in first, even before the season is finished.  Nothing is at it seems.  Principles of true team commitment, mutual loyalty and protection, and standing tall even when things are not going your way seem like principles discarded in the wind years ago.  The label “Spoiled rich kids” was assigned to some of the players today in the press.  I wonder if the label doesn’t apply to any and everyone associated with the sport. 
 
At times it seems as if things don’t end with sports.  Politicians agree to have a single day’s break at the start of the campaign.  It sounded good until the leading party broke the pledge even as the election was being announced.  It wasn’t even subtle; they called an member of the opposition’s election team and asked him which was he was going to vote!  What ever happened to the principles underlying our words?  Do we protect and cherish our personal bond?  Are we committed to anything other than our self?
 
 I find encouragement in how Jesus expressed his commitment.  “From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I'll do it.  That's how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it.   Whatever you request in this way, I'll do.”  (John 14.13, 14) 
 
You and I are invited to be a partner is this commitment.  Imagine a world filled with people seriously committed to unconditionally accept others just as they are, give free and unlimited amounts of mercy, and gift respect without question.  It doesn’t have to be imagination – you and I can begin the process today with each person we meet.