Commitment-Part 2

I pick up in this blog where we left off last time in Pastor Paul Chappell’s article on commitment, “Commitment to Finish Well.” I am reposting it in three parts: this is part two.

In the last blog we considered committing to Increased Time in God’s Word and Making No Provision for the Flesh. If you missed them, go to the blog area and you can find what was previously posted on this.

We pick up with commitments three, four, and five:

“Commitment 3: Maintain a Biblical and Pure Thought Life

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;—2 Corinthians 10:5

Pride begins in our thoughts, and when we allow our thoughts and imagination to go against obedience to Christ, we fall. We must cultivate our mind with Scripture.

Commitment 4: Pray for a Humble Spirit

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.—1 Corinthians 10:12

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.—James 4:6–7

If there is one quality we need for victory it is a humble spirit to know we can’t succeed without the Lord.

Commitment 5: Cultivate Godly Relationships

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.—Proverbs 27:17

If you’re married, cultivate a relationship with your spouse that includes spiritual oneness and accountability. If you’re single, cultivate a godly friendship centered on Christian fellowship. Develop relationships with spiritual Christians who you know will encourage you to grow in your walk with the Lord. And be that kind of Christian friend for others.”

As you dwell on these and pray through them, ask God to show you areas in your life that are hindering you in moving forward in the commitments. Many times we are only looking for the “sin which doth so easily beset us” (Hebrews 12:1), and we are not looking for the “weights” which do. You see, the weights are not sin, but they are things in your life that are holding you back or holding you down. Ask God to search you and show you what weights are holding you back from these commitments.