Commitment In Service
Central Thought: God rewards faithful service.
Text: John 13:1-17; Luke 22:24-30
Commitment is an undertaking, promise or pledge to do something for somebody or a course. Service is to attend to somebody or something, work for, and perform duties and or being devoted to somebody or something.
Commitment in service therefore is devotedly attending to the kingdom’s business in a manner of urgency as if the work could only be done by you to the exclusion of others without procrastinating. It is the practical expression of our love for God and man. When we serve willingly and wholeheartedly we prove our faith to the world around us. This study will consider the Biblical mandate for service, identify areas or ways we can serve an highlight rewards for committed service.
1. What does the phrase “commitment in service” mean?
At the point of giving one’s life to God, an individual covenants to serve God committedly. To be committed in service, and individual is totally and completely sold out to God, with one singular desire, to do the will of the Master, John 4:34, 5:30; Psalm 40:8. God at all times should be the center of our commitment and not man. Commitment to God should not be because of a desired miracle after which the individual abandons or neglects God. Commitment is doing for God the right thing, at the right time, undermining whether you are alone on the particular course and with no regards to personal convenience, comfort, denials and sacrifices.
Commitment cannot be forced on any one. It is a desire and act that flows from within, as a result of one’s love for God. It is a test of the quality of love, affection, dedication, loyalty and genuineness of our faith in God. The place of commitment is a place of sincerity with God and man, being devoid of all forms of eye service, Colossians 3:22-24. Unlike Job (Job 2:3-6) and Abraham (Genesis 22:11-12) who passed their test of commitment and were approved of God, most present day Christians are carefree like the soldiers in Judges 7:3-5, who at a time of their test never recognized that their commitment was being tested. Some Christians in like manner have disappointed God by being lazy and taking the things of God with levity, without commitment. We must serve God with a perfect heart, 1 Chronicles 28:9, in love, Galatians 5:13, and in sincerity, Joshua 24:14.
2. Examine the ways Christ exemplified commitment in service while on earth. John 4:34; 9:4
Christ’s approach to commitment in service was in two major ways:
- He saw commitment in doing the will of the Father as mandatory, to be done, and carried out without an option or choice. Christ, in equating commitment to food consumed by man for continuous sustenance, clearly showed that a believer needs to be committed to God to be spiritually healthy and alive just like natural food keeps man healthy and alive, John 4:34.
- In John 9:4, Christ saw commitment in service as a matter of urgency that must be attended to without delay, clearly stating that now is day when men can work, hence the work must be done without procrastination.
It must be noted that the issue of commitment in service ends here on earth; for in heaven all are committed to God. God has no tolerance nor does He condone lack of commitment to Him. All He desires from man is whole and total commitment, hence Proverbs 23:26 states, “my son give me your heart”, and in Matthew 22:37 we are enjoined to serve the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind, Deuteronomy 6:5. It is important to also emphasize the place of humility in service as exemplified by Christ.
3. Identify areas of commitment in service in the lives of the following Bible Characters.
a. The Seven Disciples, Acts 6:1-7
The seven disciples were men known for their commitment which was the basis for their selection. Their commitment was not hidden, so commitment cannot remain hidden. They were men of good and tested characters and repute. They were full of the Holy Ghost. Every believer, therefore, needs the Holy Ghost to develop the act of commitment. They were also men of the word and prayers. The today Christian in spite of the many challenges must resolve to be focused and refuse to succumb to any or all sort of distractions he or she may face in being committed to God.
b. Dorcas, Acts 9:36-42
Dorcas was full of good works and was consistent. Commitment in service to God has to be whole heartedly and consistently done. The believer must remain committed in the service to God as long as he or she is alive. Commitment in service speaks for itself; like as it was for Dorcas that her works through others spoke for her. To be committed to God the individual must be willing and ready to sacrifice, without holding back his or her time, energy, money and valuables to the service of God and mankind as evidenced in the life of Dorcas.
As it was for Dorcas, commitment in service is not for personal or selfish gains or popularity. Though the individual that is committed to God is blessed in the process, that should not be his or her aim for being committed in service. The aim or goal is to do the will of God; while the joy and satisfaction is ours, the glory should be the Lord’s. Dorcas’ commitment affected others positively, so anyone truly committed in service should influence others positively for God. Dorcas’ commitment spoke for her, even after death. So will the believer’s commitment in service outlive him or her even unto eternity.
c. Priscilla and Aquila. Acts 18:1-4, 24-26
Priscilla and Aquila were both committed to the service of God and in their circular jobs which was tent making. Commitment to God does not exclude us from being committed to our careers, jobs or business neither should it be a cloak for laziness. This couple further demonstrated their commitment to God by their hospitality, and patience in expounding the word of God more definitely and accurately to a fellow disciple.
4. How should we serve God and humanity in the following?
a. Church, Luke 19:13
The believers commitment in church should be exhibited in the following areas:
-regular and prompt attendance at fellowship meetings such as Bible study, prayer meetings, evangelism, etc.
-in the use of spiritual gifts, talents, and potentials to profit the body of Christ.
-in the upkeep of the needy among the brethren.
b. Neighborhood.
Matthew 5:14 states that the believer is the light of this world; this implies that no one can be committed to God and not be known as such by men especially those of his or her immediate neighborhood. This entails being touched by what is happening in your neighborhood; showing concern and care for others, visiting the bereaved, sick, needy rejoicing with those rejoicing, crying with those crying, etc. The life of the committed believer is characterized by forgiveness, love and righteous participation in the things of his or her society as he remains a practical example of Christ, as the epistle written by God to be read of all men, 2 Corinthians 3:1-2. Like Esther the believer must resolve to see justice and righteousness reign in his neighborhood.
c. Home, Ephesians 5:22-33, 6:1-6; Colossians 3:21
Commitment to God starts from the home. This is evident by the level of obedience that is accorded to the word of God and the reverence the couple gives to God. This commitment includes faithfulness of the couple to themselves. Husbands are to love their wives, wives to love, submit and reverence their own husbands, while children are enjoined to obey their parents and servants to serve in obedience and faithfully. Parents are also to raise up Godly children like Abraham for the Lord. Servants are to serve well as unto God, Colossians 3:22-24.
d. Business Place, Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:22-23; Luke 17:7-10
Commitment of the believer should be demonstrated and extended to his or her work place. This entails performing your duties effectively and efficiently. Being dutiful involves resuming work when expected, carrying out lawful instructions without excuse or complaint; neither lazying around nor sleeping when expected to be at work. Furthermore, it involves performing official duties without expecting any form of gratification or bribe from those to whom we render services. For those in business, commitment to God will also involve the discipline to close and go to Church when it is service time, even if there is a rush for purchase as the case may be. Being accommodating and not abusive is a demonstration of the believer’s commitment to God. Treating employees and employers with due regards and respect without cheating is also a demonstration of commitment. Both in the office and business place, the believer should do all duties without eye service and as unto God.
5. Discuss the rewards for commitment in service. Matthew 24:45-47, 25:31-46; John 12:26; Colossians 3:24
Since commitment in service is unto God and man, God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him, Hebrews 11:6. The rewards a committed believer stands to get are as follows.
One is blessed of God, e.g. Abraham by his faithfulness to God became a father of many nations. Commitment also serves as a check from committing sin, e.g. Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife and was promoted and lifted up. The committed believer is also honored by God and men. Reward for hard work as it is commonly said is more work. Unto he that is faithful in little, much is committed in to his hands, Matthew 25:21, 23. Lastly eternity with God, John 12:26. More rewards are stated in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
Daily Living Application:
In being committed in service, the believer must put aside and drop all portfolios, personal qualifications and attributes, and humbly come before God as brethren like the wise men that were committed in searching for Jesus. The believer must refuse all sorts of distractions, discouragement and worship God for who He is and not for what he or she hope to get from God, having in mind that God rewards faithful service. Jesus was the epitome of commitment (Matthew 26:42, 39) even to the point of death he still allowed the will of God to be done.
Service to God and humanity is both a duty and a wonderful privilege. God has called every believer to serve him in one way or the other; commitment is very essential for fruitful service.
Memory Verse:
1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Therefore my beloved brethren be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”