Commitment Sunday

What does a commitment look like to you?  Is it an appointment on the calendar, a handshake, a ring?  We use the word “committed” to say we will attend an event and to keep our vows to a spouse or partner, but do we mean the same thing?  What do we mean when we say we are committed to God and accept Jesus as our Savior?  What does it mean that God is committed to us?

These are valid and difficult questions.  Part of our life together in the community of believers we call St. Barnabas is to help support each other as we strive to understand such quandaries.  We may even say we are committed to supporting each other in our life in Christ.  (BCP p. 303)

Commitment to a Christian life involves responsibilities and sacrifices.  In our Baptismal Covenant, we vow: to believe in the Triune God, to continue in the apostle’s teaching and fellowship with prayers and breaking of bread, to persevere in resisting evil and repent when needed, to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.  This is quite a commitment indeed, as it puts God at the forefront of all our actions, reactions and interactions.  In order to follow Christ, we must be willing to make Christ a priority in our lives, not an afterthought. 

A recent study I learned about reported that a person’s commitment to being in relationship with God starts with regular attendance at church (at least 3 times a month).  The next step is more engagement with God’s Word through regularly reading of the Bible (at least 4 times a week).  The next step is being a good steward of all one’s resources – time, talent and treasure – in support of God’s work in the world.  The final step – and this might be a surprise – is making time to be quiet, finding space to be at peace with one’s self and listening for the still, small voice of God.   This is not to say that one person is a “better” Christian for going to church more often, however the practice of worship helps deepen our desire to know God better.  The more you practice, the better the experience.

As we celebrate “Commitment Sunday” this week, I pray that it is more than turning in a pledge card for the financial support of the ministries of St. Barnabas.  Yes, we need those resources, but this action should be more than putting a piece of paper in a plate.  It is about offer ourselves in service to God and our neighbor.  It is seeking to do God’s will in the world, offering Jesus’ love and sharing the Spirit’s hope.  It is about taking our commitment to follow Christ seriously always.

I thank all of you who are committed to be a disciples of Christ in all that you do.  Our stewardship is everything we do after saying, “I believe. . .” The hard part is living into that commitment and making sacrifices when necessary, “Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.” (Psalm 4:5).  These sacrifices are of praise and thanksgiving, given through our precious resources of time, presence and alms. We believe God the Giver will provide all we need for our lives and our church when are lives are well ordered.

The opportunity to commit to that well-ordered life is giving to us each day – it is never too late! I hope you will join with me in making a re-commitment to being a follower of Jesus today and every day.

In Christ,

Rev. Valerie+

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