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We live in a commitment-phobic age, and it especially affects young adults and teens. Do you have commitment troubles -- especially the most important commitment of all?
Allen was a funny kid, and making people laugh became his passion. As he got older, he followed his passion and became an actor and comedian. Along the way, whenever he thought there was going to be a conflict with his spiritual beliefs, it worked out each time so he could obey God. God kept opening doors for him to follow his dream. When he got older, Allen moved to New York City and started performing with an entertainment troupe.
Things were looking up for Allen. But the longer he worked with his comedy buddies, the more often he had to opt out of acting in the videos they were producing due to content that didn't fit in his relationship with God. It was only a few times at first, but over time it became more frequent. He got to a point where he had a choice to make between what he wanted and what he knew God wanted. He could see clearly down the road that his spiritual life and comedy life would be more and more at odds.
And that's what the fear of commitment to God so often comes down to, right? Realizing we have to put our plans and desires second and God's will for our lives first.
If you're having trouble committing to God, some perspective will help.
People talk a lot about commitment. Maybe you're studying hard to get into your dream university. Or maybe you're training every day so you can make the varsity basketball team. Both require lots of time, energy and commitment to accomplish.
Sometimes we talk about commitment in a different way. You probably know people you'd describe as having "commitment issues" because they're holding off on going to college until they feel more "ready." Or maybe they're afraid to commit to the emotional attachment to someone else necessary for marriage.
However, some are afraid of committing to the most important relationship. You should ask yourself the question, "Am I afraid of committing to God?"
What makes committing to God scary for people? Maybe they're afraid of how following God will affect the way they live. Or maybe it's a fear of failure that's standing in the way.
Here's another hugely important spiritual commitment question to ask yourself: "How can I be committed to God if I don't know whether He's committed to me?" Let's look at God's commitment to you and me.
Consider what He says through the prophet Jeremiah: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). Peter, one of Jesus' apostles, wrote that you ought to be casting all your cares on God, "for He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7).
It gets even better! God is 100 percent committed to those He loves. Look at this exciting thought that God inspired Paul the apostle to write: "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love . . . Indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39, New Living Translation).
No question about it-God is totally committed to you and your future!
If you haven't personally and fully committed to following God yet, ask yourself what's getting in the way.
If you're like Allen and afraid that you'll have to give up your dreams, take your worries to God in prayer. Talk to Him about your dreams, and ask Him to show you a way to accomplish them with His blessing. Allen did exactly that, and God answered his prayer.
Allen realized that committing himself to God must be his number one priority. So he asked God to show him how he could use his talents to serve and honor Him. Now he has a job using his creative gifts to serve God-living his dream while being fully committed to God and His way of life.
Fear of failure holds many people back from commitment -including commitment to God. You might think, "What if I determined to follow God and then find that I can't live by His standards?"
When the Israelites were getting ready to take over the Promised Land, they were led by a man named Joshua. He had to face powerful armies and violent battles in order to follow God. No doubt he was seriously concerned about what appeared to be an uncertain future. But God encouraged him: "This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9, NLT).
God was with Joshua-and He will be with you as well when you commit your life to following Him and living His way. "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid . . . for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Lose the fear! Spend time getting to know God by studying the Bible and praying to Him every day. Recognize that He's totally committed to you and your future. Then when your time comes to decide to commit to Him, you'll be able to step out on faith without fear of failure. And remember the story of Allen: You can chase your dreams and please God-just make Him a part of your life and take your hopes and fears to Him in prayer.
God has already committed to you, and He's waiting for your commitment to Him. To learn more, be sure to read our free Bible study aid The Road to Eternal Life .
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