All In

Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people. Colossians 3:23

I was never the athletic type. I was much more the academic and musical type. I began playing the trumpet in the 5th grade and continued until I graduated from high school. Many times throughout my high school days, I wanted to quit the band. Usually, those times were during marching band because it was tough. We endured long practices in the heat during the summer months, preparing the half-time show for football season. Learning to play the music and march the formations simultaneously was not an easy task. However, my parents would not let me quit. They helped me to understand the importance of keeping my commitments, not giving up, and not quitting. Both of my parents had long careers in the same position with the same organization-my mom for 42 years, and my dad for 35 years. They attended the same church for their entire married life. They were married for over 50 years. They were devoted, loyal, and committed people. 

This past week, Danette and I traveled to Barbados to the Sandals Resort to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. One of the ways we chose to celebrate was by participating in a vow renewal ceremony. We repeated the same vows we shared at our wedding twenty-five years ago. It was a really sweet time. On our wedding day all those years ago, we were faced with lots of changes-new location to live, new jobs, new community, new church-basically a whole new life. We knew we were in for an adventure, but we had no idea what the next twenty-five years would hold. And, it has had its fair share of ups and downs. There were times when it would have been easy to throw in the towel and walk away. However, by the grace of God, we have stuck to our commitment to each other, and we have many reasons to celebrate.

Dictionary.com defines commitment as the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, person, etc. Let’s take a look at a few examples of commitment in Scripture to see what we can learn. 

God told Noah to build a massive boat because He was going to bring rain and flood waters to destroy the earth. Although Noah had never seen rain, was ridiculed by others, and took almost 75 years to build the Ark, he stayed committed, and God used him to save humankind. 

Ruth was married to Naomi’s son, but when the son and Naomi’s husband both died, Ruth stayed with Naomi and returned to Bethlehem with her. We see her unwavering commitment to Naomi in these words from Ruth 1:16: For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.

From the time Paul experienced his transformation on the Damascus Road until he died was approximately 30 years. During that time, he stayed fully committed to his calling of sharing the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-29, Paul lists numerous trials and tribulations he endured for the sake of the gospel, including beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and constant dangers from various sources.

In these examples, we see people who remained committed to their calling. They did not give up when times got difficult. They gave their time and effort fully. They were not lackadaisical with an on-and-off attitude. Consider your commitments for a moment. Marriage. Family. Career. Church. Jesus. How do you rank on the commitment scale?

From relationships to careers, the lack of commitment today in our culture is everywhere (especially since COVID). The emphasis seems to be on happiness. If it makes you happy, then commit to it. If you become bored, just find something new.

This lack of commitment has affected the church and individual believers, as well. When we follow Christ only when it is convenient or easy, it is not true commitment. We must follow Him no matter what! Following Jesus is a commitment, a day-by-day journey. It is about surrender and giving Him control. It is a willingness to make necessary changes in our lives to live wholeheartedly for Him. It demonstrates a desire to be bold and take a stand for truth. 

In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus says, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth.” Jesus wants followers who are truly committed to Him. We are not to treat our faith like a side option or something we pick up only when it benefits us or we want to. We go “all in.” Like Noah building the ark, Ruth refusing to leave Naomi, or Paul going to great lengths to share the gospel, commitment is about staying true and following no matter the cost.

Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy, but He did promise it would be worth it. A life lived all in is a life surrendered to Jesus and full of joy. Is your heart fully His, or are there areas you’re still holding back? As a follower of Christ, not only are we to be fully committed to Him, but we are also to honor other commitments in our lives. 

Call to Action

Do you find it easy or hard to commit to something for an extended period of time?

What would help you stay strong in your commitment to follow Jesus?

How can you strengthen other commitments (marriage, family, career, church) in your life? 

Digging Deeper

For other verses on commitment, read Psalm 37:5, Proverbs 16:3, Isaiah 6:8, Joshua 24:15, Luke 9:23, Philippians 3:14. To dig deeper into the stories of Noah and Ruth mentioned above, check out Genesis 6 and 7 and Ruth 1. 

Prayer:
Lord, help me to live a life of full commitment to You. Not halfway, not only when it’s easy or convenient—but daily, faithfully, with everything I am. Amen.

Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens