“And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
By E. Jardinel
Introduction
Commitment is one of the greatest needs in our day. We live in a world full of tasks, responsibilities, and opportunities—but many lack the commitment to see them through. Jesus made it clear that His followers must not look back once they have committed to following Him.
Today, we will look at why commitment is important, what hinders it, and the blessings that come when we are fully committed to the Lord.
I. The Problem of Commitment Today
Many people start well but fail to finish because they lack commitment.
Maturity matters in commitment. A mature person handles responsibility and follows through; an immature one avoids responsibility and quits easily.
Commitment is needed in every area of life—family, work, relationships, and especially in serving God.
Whenever there’s true commitment, the cause usually succeeds. Even secular causes like communism succeed because of their members’ commitment. How much more should God’s people be committed to His work?
II. The Need for Commitment
A. Christians Have the Greatest Task on Earth
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
(Mark 8:36)
Luke 19:10 shows Christ’s main purpose: to seek and save the lost.
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
(Luke 19:10)
Many work hard for things that will not last, but the work of God is eternal.
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”
B. Commitment Is Required to Carry Out This Task
1. Jesus requires commitment (Luke 14:26–33).
2. The Apostles required commitment (2 Timothy 2:2).
3. Pastors and leaders require commitment to accomplish God’s mission.
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III. Hindrances to Commitment
A. Lack of Maturity
1. Social maturity – Ability to relate well with others.
2. Emotional maturity – Ability to cope with responsibility (like a father providing for his family).
3. Spiritual maturity – Ability to exercise spiritual knowledge (Hebrews 5:13–14).
B. Lack of Understanding and Motivation
1. Lack of understanding: Some people don’t see the value of the task.
Communists understand their purpose and impact their society.
The early church understood their purpose and turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6).
2. Lack of motivation: Some understand but are not motivated to act.
Proverbs 11:30 shows wisdom is applying knowledge.
Motivation grows through discipleship:
Jesus invested in disciples (Mark 3:13–14).
The result of discipleship is tremendous (Acts 4:17).
There is a difference between extrinsic motivation (external rewards) and intrinsic motivation (heart-driven obedience).
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C. Concern Over Self More Than the Lord’s Cause
Jesus told us not to worry about ourselves because He is able to provide (Matthew 6:27–34). Our responsibility is to seek His kingdom and His righteousness first (Matthew 6:33).
When God calls, He also provides. Our job is to follow; His job is to supply.
The problem is that we often don’t trust His ability, so we hesitate to follow Him.
You can’t add even one cubit to your life by worrying (Matthew 6:27).
Do your best for the Lord, and He will give His best to you.
When We Are Over-Concerned About Ourselves, the Result Is Frustration
Example: Jonah
Jonah was so focused on himself that he disobeyed God (Jonah 1:1–6).
It was costly.
It was risky.
It affected others (his sleeping showed a lack of concern for others).
Jonah’s concern for his own comfort even after Nineveh repented caused God to rebuke him (Jonah 4:4–10).
Lesson:
Some people are born rich, others poor, but God calls all to be faithful.
If we are faithful in the little things, God will give the increase (Matthew 25:23; 2 Corinthians 9:6 -7).
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III. The Blessings of Commitment (Proverbs 13:19)
A. Rewards in This Life
1. Great joy in a task well done, especially in soul-winning.
2. Quality training through discipleship (2 Timothy 2:2).
The pastor trains you for ministry, and submission brings growth.
3. God’s favor and blessing (Deuteronomy 5:5–6).
Blessed effort → successful ministry.
Effective prayer (John 15:7).
Desires fulfilled (Psalm 37:4; Proverbs 18:22).
Material blessing.
4. Men’s favor.
Churches and mission boards look for faithful people who have proven themselves.
B. Rewards After This Life – Five Crowns
1. Incorruptible Crown – 1 Corinthians 9:25
2. Crown of Rejoicing – 1 Thessalonians 2:19
3. Crown of Life – Revelation 2:10
4. Crown of Glory – 1 Peter 5:4
5. Crown of Righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:8
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Conclusion
If you want rewards in heaven and joy, blessings, and success on earth, you must be committed—to the Lord, to your task, to your pastor, and to your leaders.
You cannot be committed unless you are humble, teachable, mature, and have a deep concern for God’s work. Think of your future, not just now. It is very hard to live and work without God’s blessings and happiness.
Finally, don’t expect blessings from man —expect them from God. He knows your heart, and He rewards faithfulness.
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