Commitment

There are numerous people who bemoan my generation for our lack of commitment. My generation often avoids living under obligation. Even dedicated leaders struggle with living with a ball and chain. The older generation has shared their distaste for my generation and our lack of devotion.

But, I respect my generation's fear of commitment. I think this tendency is God given. Here is what God said about those who walk in the Spirit.

"The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." John 3:8

I think the current church is following a business model that is not necessarily biblical. We have a chain of command, hours to clock in, and yokes of slavery. (Is the word slavery overkill?) I am not convinced that commitment is always a sign of obedience and integrity. When you live with a routine you learn how to tune out the voice of God.

Do I think God never asks us to commit? No, I think there are moments in life when God commands us to commit. Marriage is an example of a biblical commitment. However, obligating a spirit-led believers to be predictable and punctual is legalistic.

I do not envy worship leaders who are asked to lead worship every Sunday like it is their job. If you plan on going on a vacation you find someone to fill your place. You better plan on returning and being faithful. If you feel like God is leading you somewhere else then you have to step down from your leadership position. You are no longer the church's worship leader because you can't commit to regularly strumming your guitar at the allotted time. Maybe you don't feel comfortable playing every Sunday at 10:45am for a reason! Worship is spontaneous. Maybe we aren't suppose to sing worship songs every Sunday at 10:45 am.

I am not anti-commitment. Faithfulness and commitment are needful to build integrity and serve others. I would just suggest that lack of commitment is not always a sign of a struggling, lazy Christian. If you walk with the Spirit you are like the wind.