Commitment

[Coaching Lesson #5 from our Serving Leadership Development Program—Beginning the Journey, Phase 1]

Commitment can be defined as “to make a pledge or a promise.” We often make many commitments throughout our lifetime with family members, at school or church, and in our careers. 

As Christ followers, any true success that we have will flow from our commitment to God. Following through on our commitments builds our credibility and enables others to trust us.

Keeping our commitments demonstrates our faithfulness. To progress as a leader and be given greater responsibility, we must be faithful to fulfill our commitments.

Leaders as Living Sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2)
When you take the step to become a “living sacrifice,” you acknowledge Christ’s leadership and authority over your life. By doing so, you sacrifice or give up any selfish desires and ambitions. You choose to surrender your talents, goals, dreams—everything—for His purpose.

It is only by “giving up” our wants and desires to God that we can ever achieve true success and significance. (“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39)

Jesus’ Standard of Commitment (Matthew 16:24-26)
Through these words, Jesus makes it clear that he requires total commitment from his followers. Jesus was “all in” and He expects the same from us. He urged his followers to “take up [their] cross and follow [him].” He knew that anything less than total commitment would not be sufficient. He wants our “all.” He gave himself completely to the mission that the Father had given him. He asks—no, he demands the same from us.
 
Discussion Questions:

1. What are some of the characteristics of a committed Christian?
2. What does it mean to you to “take up your cross?”
3. What are some things that prevent us from following through on our commitments?
4. How can we help those we lead become more committed?