Stick to your commitment!

Years ago when I was leading a wellness Bible study, a friend gave me a refrigerator magnet with the saying, “Stick to your commitment.” I’m one of those folks who likes visible messages, so that one fit right in with other pearls of wisdom attached in a haphazard manner all over my refrigerator.

Stick to your commitment!

Whether it be making healthy nutrition choices, exercising daily, reading my Bible each morning, never losing my temper, keeping my house clean… (you get the idea)–that note (and several others in obvious places in my home) remind me to persevere in those tasks that guide me to live by the Fruit of the Spirit.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23.

I’d look at my “Stick to your commitment!” reminder and and say–“YES!” I’m going to:

• Have my quiet time with God each morning and evening.
• Not be distracted during my prayer time.
• Make healthy eating choices and exercise daily in my commitment to honor God with my body.
• Set realistic expectations for myself and others.
• Be kind in all circumstances.

Does your list look anything like mine?

But, life gets in the way, doesn’t it?

We get stressed and overwhelmed by work and family responsibilities. Perhaps our spouse, friends or colleagues fail to live up to the high expectations we’ve set for them. Distractions interfere with our devotion, prayer and quiet time. Temptations rush in to roadblock our path to keeping those commitments and pledges we have made.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man, but God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1^st Corinthians 10:13

But, there is hope! (Even for over-achievers!) God knows us so well, that he understands our weaknesses.

God has gifted us with His Son to show us the path.

Jesus is our Light–He will show us the way to avoid temptation. He has promised us that He will be with us through the trials and will bring us peace.

All this I have spoken while with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do let your your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:25-27

God has gifted us with the wisdom of the scriptures to provide us with encouragement.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

Our Lord will light our path and guide our steps on the journey, but…(there’s always a but, isn’t there?)

We have to trust our Lord and seek His guidance. We cannot do it on our own.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

God also gifts us with mentors along our pathway.

We are so blessed to have those that share their God given wisdom with us. Of course, this includes our parents, teachers and spiritual mentors, but throughout our history, we’ve also had strong mentors that offered encouragement to help us persevere through trials.

Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” Winston Churchill

Who have been your spiritual mentors–those loving men and women that have helped you “Stick to your commitment” in service to our Lord? How are you carrying on that legacy now as you mentor to others? I’m praying for us as we strive to grow in our own spiritual lives, that we may serve as mentors for others.

Wishing you joy and blessings on your journey, my friends.