Deepening Commitment

"Commitment" has become a dirty word - something that would limit my freedom or cramp my lifestyle. It could obligate me to some duty, and may mean sacrifice of other things in life. God, my gifts, and my goods reserved for the Lord's glory instead of my pleasure and pursuits seems a little overbearing to most - what about to you? 

How much is enough when it comes to fulfilling our duty to God and His church? How much time should one give to worshipping Him in fellowship with other believers in Christ? Does the Lord's day (the first day of the week - Sunday) really mean that it belongs to Him (that I don't reserve the right to use it for my own means if it interferes with Him and His people)? (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 1 John 4:21; 5:1)

How much energy and effort should I give in service to the Lord? Do spiritual gifts, intended for use in the church, obligate me to God's service (if He has given me something doesn’t He intend for me to use it for Him and for His glory)? (1 Peter 4:8-11)

How much of my material goods does the church deserve? If my giving is based on grace, that of the grace of God shown to me and received of me through Christ, and it is! - shouldn't the O.T. tithe become obsolete and superseded by N.T. giving? Wouldn't that mean that no sacrifice is too great for the cause of Christ and the gospel's sake (wouldn't God get the firstfruits instead of the leftovers, or be robbed altogether of our monetary gifts)? (2 Corinthians 8 & 9)

All this comes down to walking by faith (taking God at His Word) which is always rewarded at some point and in some way by the Lord in an incomparable and inconceivable way! Let us live for eternity and with eternity's values in view, and experience true joy that God intends for His own, while seeing God grow His church here in Katy!