The government says, “nothing to fear.” “For a new millennium, economics are good,” and “a 29 breakdown can never happen again.” Yet many are being devastated in financial disasters. “Caution is necessary” is a new cry, and it is not difficult to see that there is movement to a new commitment to the essential elements for the maintenance of normal patterns of living. Taking these items for granted and misusing them by not supporting their perpetuation in a crisis moment can only beget fears, betrayals and catastrophe. Somehow the intrigue and glamour of a new millennium with its hoped for possibilities in science and economics has blinded minds to the divine principle: “Be not deceived: God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
In the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3, we learn how the spirit and circumstances of the surrounding world creep into assembly activities through its members character. From the previous paragraph, may we be stirred to commitment and a long view into Y2K, remembering the Lords advice, “Hold that fast which thou hast that no man take thy crown.” Commitment scorns personal favor, and may be misinterpreted occasionally, but sustains to the accomplishment of the goal.
Occupation with the architect of Gods assembly, our glorious Lord, inspires commitment and preserves from trading principles for profit. His principles are vehicles for progress, and progress is an abiding profit. The “personal advantage over personal availability” mentality always courts disaster in divine things. Commitment evokes reverent availability and loyalty for the name, cause and teaching of its Teacher. With a long-view first into the approaching challenge and then to the incomparable worth of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose name we bear, may we be irresistibly drawn to total commitment to the honor of His Name.
Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.” Assembly leaders must adapt to currency with the mind-set to which the flock is subjected that appropriate principles may be taught. Shepherds (men called to life commitment) ably minister to the wounds and fears of lambs, and are responsible to visit all members of the flock. Teachers (fitted for a life commitment) must expound truth which first fosters intelligent loyalty to their Great Shepherd and likewise exposes wrong thought patterns. Overseers first priority is guiding the flock to suitable pastures and safely through the valley of shadows. Evangelists in Gods assembly are committed to upholding the Gospel of Christ, without compromise. Younger believers are entrusted to us that they may step into life as astute, reverent, honorable, disciplined, energetic disciples of Christ.
Commitment is sacrifice, and heaven and history record the ultimate sacrifice of saints for the Name and Word of their Redeemer, the Lord of Glory. A new tolerance mind-set in the world excludes “absolutes of religious bigots.” Together beloved, we are called to total commitment, not to religious crusades, but to the glorified, supreme, unparalleled eternal Son of God, our Redeemer, Lord, Great High Priest, Friend and coming Bridegroom. The new century needs saints committed for life to this blessed One.
Faith is the guarantor of commitment. May then the eye of our soul by the Holy Spirit be illuminated with the captivating sovereignty of our triumphant Lord and the beautiful pattern of divine purpose of having His people separated unto His person in assembly capacity “till He come.” Be committed or be a castaway.
