by Robert J. Kurz, M.A. Counseling

There seems to be a shortage of committed people today. Employers complain about how
difficult it is to find employees who will be highly committed to their jobs; husbands and wives
speak of a lack of commitment to the marriage relationship; school teachers report an alarming
lack of commitment by the students in their classes; and even pastors grieve over a general
lack of spiritual commitment on behalf of the members in their churches.

While this lack of commitment in most areas of our society is cause for concern, I am most
concerned with the Christians who have become casual or indifferent in their relationship
with God. Those who lack commitment in the other areas cited will suffer personal loss in this
life, but those who lack commitment in spiritual matters will suffer loss for all of eternity.

Nearly all believers understand the importance of being committed to daily disciplines such
as prayer, worship and studying God’s word. They want to be committed and wish they were
more motivated. It is my observation that we have all the motivation we need.  What we really
lack is discipline. Commitments that are fueled by motivation alone are weak indeed. Personal
discipline, self-denial and a lot of hard work are required to accomplish anything worthwhile.
God cannot accomplish His will through uncommitted Christians.

Our struggle, to be consistently committed, is seldom due to a lack of desire. It is due to a lack
of character. God is seeking Christians who are totally committed to personal character.
Character literally means “moral strength.” Developing Christian character is a life-long process.
It is the continual practice of inner strength. When we exercise our will to do what is right,
character is formed. Doing the right thing because it is the right thing, regardless of how we feel,
reveals true character.

Allow me to cite some biblical examples of men and women who developed and demonstrated
Christian character by making disciplined choices regarding how they lived their lives. Joshua
showed the practice of inner strength when he chose to obey all of God’s laws, and to meditate
on them day and night. Josiah showed moral strength when he fought to re-instate the truth of
God’s word that had been lost in Israel. Joseph demonstrated his pure character when he fled
from the immoral advances of Potipher’s wife. Queen Esther exhibited great courage and loyalty
to her people when she interceded on their behalf before the king. Daniel remained faithful to his
commitment to prayer even when his very life was threatened.  And the 3 Hebrew children refused
to lay aside their commitment to God when facing certain death in the fiery furnace. Examples of
deep levels of commitment to personal character abound in the Word of God. The demonstration
of faith, courage, loyalty, purity and consistent discipline should inspire today’s Christian to choose
the practice of inner moral strength on a daily basis.  Such a commitment will have a profound
and positive effect in the Kingdom of God, and in our personal lives.