Sometimes motivation is hard to find when we've committed ourselves to something. What does the bible say about commitments and the success that follows?
Have you ever been committed to something, but felt unmotivated when it came time to carry it out? Was your commitment to that thing enough to push you through? Consider working out, for example. You made a commitment to yourself that you would work out at least three times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Monday morning came and you were pumped up, the inspiration to work out was there and you just couldn’t wait to get to the gym. Wednesday came and you were still excited about running the treadmill and lifting some weights. Friday comes. It’s been a long and tiring week, so you find yourself having a conversation in your head, “It’s okay if I skip out today. I deserve a break after the week I’ve had. After all, I did go Monday and Wednesday.” Does this sound familiar in any way? Maybe working out wasn’t the commitment you made. Maybe it was practicing an instrument or working on the book you’re writing, possibly a diet plan you pledged to follow, or maybe it was even pursuing your relationship with God. No matter what it was, we’ve all experienced a lack of motivation at times when it came to the thing we committed ourselves to.
Commitment is the act of dedicating, pledging or engaging oneself. It’s not about the feelings, it’s about dedication. Motivation is the desire to do the things. A lot of things in life are important to us, but we aren’t necessarily motivated to do what it takes to accomplish them. We desire the end result, but not always the work it requires to get the end result. So, let’s talk about our commitment and relationship with God for a moment. You’ve possibly had days when getting up early to spend time with Him was not the thing you wanted to do. The pillow was too comfortable and the weight of sleep too heavy. You may have even given in to those feelings and not followed through with the commitment that morning. That’s okay, because commitment is dedication and determination. Dedication and determination says I may have missed it yesterday, but today’s a new day so I choose to push past my feelings and do it anyway. Motivation is the desire and drive that gets you started, but commitment helps get you to the end.
I want to focus specifically on spiritual commitments today; things that are directly connected to your relationship with God. What is that thing you committed yourself to, or would like to commit to? It could be anything from serving in your local church, witnessing to a neighbor, time spent in prayer and study, anything you can think of that is in connection with your spiritual journey. How are you doing with that commitment? Are you lacking, or have you ever lacked, the motivation to take action on it? The good news is that motivation isn’t necessary. Sure, motivation certainly makes it easier, I can attest to that. But feelings waver and that means our motivation wavers. God wants us to be successful in everything we put our hand to, and He provides a way for us to do just that. The secret? Commitment. Proverbs 16:3 (NLT) says, “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” If we commit our commitments to Him, He will help us to be successful in fulfilling them. Appreciate the days when the motivation is there but when it isn’t, lean on Him and rely on His strength that is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Scriptures:
Psalm 37:5 (NLT) – “Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.”
Proverbs 16:3 (NLT) – “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”
Galatians 6:9 (ESV) – “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
2 Corinthians 12:9a (ESV) – “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Prayer
Lord, I have made some commitments that I have not always been successful in following through on. According to your word, if I commit everything I do to You, You will help me to succeed, even on the days when I lack the motivation. So today, I make the declaration that all of my commitments are committed to You. Thank You for Your faithfulness, grace and strength.
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