Today's Devotional
May 17, 2007
Subject: Just Commitments
1 Timothy 4:12 - "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
Okay, perhaps I'm a little "over-the-top" when it comes to viewing the latest TV ad being run by the United States Marine Corps. Of course it has all of the uniformed pageantry of a great military service, but it also includes short clips from warfare in Iraq along with scenes of recruits struggling through boot camp. As the imagery flashes quickly before, the final wording on the screen reads, "We don't accept applications." A few more clips flash, like a Marine at the famous 8th and I pageant spinning a rifle and then the finals words read, "Just commitments." My wife will surely soon hate seeing that commercial because every time it runs, she has to listen to me say "Oooh Rah" and "boy I love that commercial."
I like the commercial for the imagery and the good ole standard Marine Corps motivation that it gives, but I think the message is a good one for believers too. When you fill out an application for a job, then you spend much time touting yourself and you have references who are supposed to back up your story about how good you are. That's the way applications work. However, the only thing an employer really wants to know is, are you committed and dedicated to the work for which you are applying?" In other words, don't tell me how great you are, tell me how committed you are.
That's what the verse above is saying. Our commitment to God as believers should show plainly. We need not spend time talking about how good we are. We should spend our time being committed to our calling and by doing so, we will be an example, a light to this lost and dying world.
Today, as believers, remember, " We don't accept applications,...Just commitments." Don't jus talk it, walk it because as a believer, it's just what you do.
