"He decommitted."

 

Decommitted...it's not a word you hear too often, but it's one that came up for me recently. I'm a fan of the Iowa State basketball team and recently we had a recruit decommit. Over the years I haven't really followed recruiting, but with today's technology we're more aware of what goes on behind the scenes. Anyway, I didn't know much about this player (KF), so it didn't affect me much as a fan, but as a follower of Christ this situation caught my attention.

Just 2 months ago at our ReNEWed Life Women's Event, Micca Campbell challenged us to be surrendered Christians rather than committed ones. This teaching had my attention back then and it's something God continues to work on today. This recent happening with the basketball team painted a pretty good picture of her illustration. 

This past summer when KF announced he was coming to Iowa State, fans were excited, sports writers were praising him and expectations started to be made. He made a visit and the excitement built, but daily life continued and then the recent surprise announcement caught people off guard - he was decommitting.

Like I said, I haven't thought much about this as a fan, but God's used it to speak to me as a follower - not as a follower of the Cyclones, but of Christ. And friend, I want to encourage you to think about this concept as a disciple as well. 

It's easy to say we are committed to Jesus. We can sit at a retreat, in a church service or even in our quiet time and commit to serving the Lord, believing God's Word or living like Jesus did. We promise to be slow to anger and slow to speak. We agree to be a submissive wife. We vow to be a more patient mom. We pledge we will do what Christ followers do, we commit. 

The thing is...talk is cheap. It's easy to say the right thing and much more difficult to do it. Would you agree? Pause for a minute and think about the last promise you made, be it to God or a loved one. Did you follow through? Were you true to your word? Did you honor your commitment?

I realize situations change and our callings can too, but God knows our heart and always is aware when we decommit, which spiritually is something we should never do. Perhaps this would happen less if we focus on surrender instead of commitment. 

When you think about these two words they have some similarities, but they are different. In my mind commit is more of a choice while surrender is a last resort. Commitment is something that can change - just look at the ISU recruit, but when you surrender it's typically a done deal - think about the wars and countries you studied in history. 

So today rather than committing to do one more thing for God, why don't we surrender who we are and be who He's created us to be? Rather than pledging to be a mom who doesn't scream and lose control, why not surrender our plans and die to self? Think about a commitment you've made to God...are you following through? Are you focusing on striving instead of being? Is there something you need to surrender? 

Friend, God wants you, and me, on His team more than the Cyclones wanted KF. He has a role for each of us, He sees our potential and expects our effort. Have you committed to His team only to find yourself tempted to decommit? Are you willing to surrender to His ways? His plan won't always make sense and the daily walk will require more effort and energy than a college basketball practice. But the rewards? They are worth it!! 

Stay the course!
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." (Hebrews 10:35-36)

Do the work!
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters..." (Colossians 3:23)

Die to self!
And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. (Luke 9:23)

Let Christ live!
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Heavenly Father, in a time when it is easy to commit today and decommit tomorrow, I pray for a heart that is willing to surrender. May I present myself as a living sacrifice to you Lord. Transform my mind and purify my heart. Help me live a life that pleases, honors and glorifies you. In Jesus' Name, Amen