Sometimes we look around us and we wonder if commitment has become one of those lost virtues. Most of us remember the statement, “There was a time when a man’s word was his bond.” It seems “back in the day,” a handshake was as good as a notarized signature or today’s Medallion Signature Guarantee. With all the distractions in today’s world, it certainly seems more challenging to instill in the younger generation the life values that were the fabric of our society a few decades ago.

Well, we can be the “glass half-empty” pessimist or the “glass half-full” optimist. When we take a second look at the the news, the newspaper, many television programs, some social media and people all around us, we are amazed at those self-sacrificing individuals in all walks of life who are the salt and light of our world. Paul told us in Philippians 4:8, “If there be any virtue, or if there be any praise, think on these things. So we pause and say, “Thank you, Lord, for each of these people.”

Nevertheless, we must acknowledge that commitment to meaningful and eternal values does not come automatically nor is maintained without effort. Commitment is defined as “What we give or entrust to someone or something; to deposit something.” The list of things to which we commit ourselves is endless. We may dedicate our lives to our jobs, education, sports, pursuing wealth or fame, family, serving others, etc. Everyone lives with certain commitments.

We realize there are “once for all” commitments and there are temporary commitments. My wife and I, 41 years ago, made a “once for a lifetime” marriage commitment (for as long as we both shall live). When I announced my call to the Gospel ministry 46 years ago, it was for a lifetime. Other commitments to jobs, formal education, etc., have been temporary.

Paul the Apostle had much to say about this subject in II Timothy 1:11-12, “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles, for the which cause I also suffer...nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.”

Without a doubt, the first and most important thing Paul had committed to the Lord was his soul when he claimed eternal salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. He knew he (Paul) was not able to save his soul and that he was not able to keep himself saved, but he was convinced that God was able to keep him from falling (Jude 24) and to preserve him unto God’s heavenly kingdom (II Timothy 4:18). This is the greatest commitment any of us could ever make for Mark 8:36 reminds us, “For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”

We look forward to exploring more areas of commitment of critical importance in the next few weeks. God bless each of you as you daily fulfill the commitments you have made in your life.

-Randy Zinn is pastor of Russell Missionary Baptist Church, Russell, Ark.; formerly of Okmulgee.