I don’t know how many Bible classes, devotionals, and sermons I have listened to that have started out with this question, but I do know it has been a lot. Many of these studies have asked this question in the hopes that we will discover all the ways that we may or may not be committed to the Lord. Sometimes there is an element of guilt. Other times it is simply a question for us to ponder. But the more I hear it, the more I have decided that I don’t want to be “committed.”

When we are committed to something it is part of our routine. We put effort into it. We mark it on our calendars. When we are committed to something, we show up when we are supposed to and give what is needed. We might even convince someone that they need to be committed, too.  Then we go home. We check it off our to-do list. We feel good about our efforts and pat ourselves on the back. We did a good job. Then we move on to the next project, where we are also committed.

Simply being committed to God is not enough. If we are truly God’s disciples, we will not have to ask ourselves whether we are committed. It should not be a question, because everything we do should revolve around him without thinking. I hope that I am not just committed to being a Christian. I hope that everything in me is constantly Christian. It may seem a lofty goal while so much else takes up our time. As women we are busy straightening our homes, raising our children, working at our jobs, making time for our husbands, and the many other things we do. And often we use those as excuses as reasons why we cannot be as committed to Christ as we want. Christianity is not just a commitment; it is a lifestyle. If we are asking ourselves whether we are really committed to Christ, then we must ask ourselves, have we ever been his true servant? Or have we just adopted our faith as another project in our life?

I hope when I stand before the Maker on Judgment Day that I can say to him, “Lord, I was not just committed to you, I was yours.”

Christa Bryant