21Apr16

1 Kings 8:61
"And may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time."

Commitment. That can be a really heavy word. To promise and then complete, or continue to try to complete, something can sometimes seem such a daunting task. Yesterday I got the great opportunity to re-enlist my younger brother in the Army. For the third time he is swearing to "support and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic...so help me God." Commitment. It was such an honor to stand there with him as he continues to follow the path he has chosen and promise another two years of his life to that cause. Although he's nine years younger than me and we basically didn't know each other growing up because I was out of the house before he became cool, I was standing face to face with a man I admired. A man I knew would fulfill his obligation and commitment even if it cost him his life.

Most of us know what that means. We swore the same oath, or something very similar, when we entered the Army. We made a promise. We made a commitment. I've also known a lot of people who would not fulfill that oath and would fall short of that commitment. Commitment is far from convenience. They both start with the same letter but, could not be further apart. Commitment is tested in the fires of adversity and hardship. Commitment isn't swayed by emotion or sentiment. Commitment is a choice. It's one we make over and over again to maintain our integrity and to be able to look in the mirror and say, "I have honor."

We make a lot of commitments in this life. To God. To our spouse. To our loved ones. To the Army. It is imperative that we remain "fully committed" regardless of the trials and hardships of life. I had a pastor once tell me, "Under promise. Over produce." Don't make a commitment you aren't ready to follow through with. Produce more than you promise. But, if you have sworn to something... keep your oath. Keep your honor. What are you committed to?