Raising Your Level Of Commitment To Christ

Millions of people have made a decision about Christ without making a commitment to Christ. But what exactly does that mean? 

According to recent surveys, 225 million people in America claim to be Christian. Out of that 225 million, only 100 million claim to be a member of a church. And out of that 100 million, only 50 million attend church on at least a semi-regular basis. 

Another study reports that teen pregnancy is nearly identical in the church as to those who do not attend. And the divorce rate is actually slightly higher in the church as that of those who do not belong. 

Put another way, 225 million people believe Jesus lived. 100 million people have made a decision about Christ. 

But consider this. If the 225 million or the 100 million, or even the 50 million were actually committed to Christ, would the world be different? Would there be less teen pregnancy, fewer divorces, less adultery? Would there not be less pornography and drug use? 

Jesus once said, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.” (Matthew 7:13, New American Standard) 

And in Luke:14:26, he states, “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.” (New American Standard) 

Does this mean you literally have to hate your parents? No. It simply means that your love of Christ must be so great that your love for others pales in comparison. “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” (Matthew 10:37) God either must be placed first in your life or have no place at all. You either trust in God or you do not. 

The next question many ask is, “Why should I? What is in it for me?” That is a fair question. The Apostle Paul gives the answer in Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” 

And what is the result of this? John 3:15 states, “so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.” A commitment to Christ means eternal life in paradise. Without Christ, there is only death. 

“As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause” (Job 5:8).