Commitment is this interesting ghost of a trait.
It's almost a dirty word in certain circles among my generation on down. It's a heavy idea. In fact that's all that it is for many of us...an idea, a notion, a thought of an ideal that doesn't need to exist.
What's interesting is how this non-committal mindset has entered the Church (though not new). And what's more it has spread throughout all generations, cultures, races, genders, traditions etc. Commitment as an 'idea' has infiltrated the Christian worldview.
Now if we're in Christ and His Spirit is in us and this Spirit is from the Father and the Father promises to continue working in us until the day of completion...and we're called to be like Him...then how did we end up with an 'idea' of commitment in place of actual commitment (which even Christ demonstrated most intently on the Cross Himself)?
'...confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.'
Commitment is hard. It's messy. It's incredibly sacrificial. It's at the heart of the character of the Lord. It's tangible. It's a mixture of passion and perseverance. Joy and anguish. Sanctification and suffering. Glory and depression. Ultimately redeemed and completed reconciliation.
Commitment is this ghost of an idea for many of us.
But what if we actually committed to our families, marriages, vocations, kids, friends, communities, groups, time in the Word, worship, prayer, joyful living, truth, our purpose, the Lord...
Commitment would no longer be an intangible entity but an actual way of doing life...and doing life well. It would bring inner peace, productivity, spiritual growth, emotional wellness, physical health, discernment, healthier/muddier relationships, respect...if done in humility and with the Spirits guidance it brings Christlike transformation. Transformation is anything but easy yet it holds all the good stuff.
Sounds crazy but maybe we need to commit ourselves.
Read Philippians 1:1-11. In fact read through the whole book for a 'chained' commitment to Christ.