commitment

Somewhere I read that it doesn’t matter what kind of church we think is effective, whether it is mega-church or a home church, it does not matter. It’s not about style. It’s more that, by and large people today just do not want to commit to anything.

The current state of American Christianity is a lack of the substance – a lack of commitment, not the style of church.

At first, I wondered how I could help people raise their commitment level. Mostly with regards to being involved in real community. What would attract someone to commit to community?

It was in this series of thoughts and questions that I realized that although I am committed to many things, I am also very inconsistent with my commitments. I realized that I am not very committed to building new relationships.

I have friends but I am very introverted and tend to avoid opportunities to make new friends - even my next-door neighbor. I’m not sure why. Probably fear…but, fear of what? Whether it is not talking with my new next-door neighbor or the neighbor across the street, I tend to avoid these opportunities. Avoiding is much different than being oblivious. To avoid is intentional. To be oblivious, is well…oblivious.

So, I too, have a problem with commitment. The very thing I want to assist others with, I have as a problem of my own. How fun!

Starting now, I want to commit to building new relationships and not missing the opportunity to do so. “Good fruit” is shown through interacting with others. Love for God is reflected in our love for others. My desire to love God should create a strong desire for relationship with others. If not, then I’m still in-love with myself more than I’m in love with God.

Today, I’m going to commit to step into, be more aware of and more intentional about fostering new friendships. I take this part of my life for granted and in that, I’m probably missing one of the biggest blessings.

Who am I to decide which or what relationships I have? That’s still me in control, right?

Wisdom will guide through discernment, however faith must give me the confidence to engage and initiate new relationships. I’d rather burn my mental energy caring for other people than trying to figure out ways to avoid them. How about you?

I hope we all have more faith to receive new friendships rather than avoid them.

Life brings life – let’s not avoid the opportunity to give or receive it.