Heart-level Commitment

The last post may have been very challenging for many. I was very encouraged that one of the people I knew would be challenged by it, was able to follow the logic.

For anyone who has followed this blog, they know that I am not preaching a message of perfection. The Apostle Paul talked of his life before becoming a Christian. He said his legalistic righteousness was faultless! I can't imagine following the letter of the law perfectly, but that is what Paul claimed. However, Paul took no pride in this. Instead he called it refuse or dung compared to knowing Christ personally and receiving the righteousness that comes from faith! (from Php 3:4-9)

In the last post we looked at Jesus' call for us to be completely committed to Him. This is a heart-level commitment, not a perfect obedience to a set of rules.

(Heb 4:12-13) For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

It is the thoughts and attitudes of the heart that God looks at. This is a challenge to those who are simply “playing church.” All insincerity will be exposed. However, for those of us that are trying to love God with all our heart, this is great news! It isn't how perfectly we follow through with our commitment that matters. Rather it is how sincere that commitment is at our heart level.

During the last supper, Peter declared, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you., Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times that you know me.” (Lk 22:33-34) Peter failed in his commitment to Jesus at the action level. When Peter realized he had betrayed Jesus, he wept bitterly, because his commitment was sincere. Jesus still loved Peter and forgave him, even giving him a crucial role in the new church.

If we, like Peter, are greatly saddened and distressed when we fail in our commitment to Jesus, we need to acknowledge our failure (our sin). Confession and repentance are the steps a committed follower of Jesus takes to move forward in his/her relationship with their Lord.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1Jn 1:9)

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. (Act 3:19)