Sunday, July 13, 2008

Be Bacon

Commitment is a funny thing.

It is one of the most desirous aspects of a relationship. Yet at the same time all of us shy away from the requirements of commitment because we must give up something of ourselves to someone else.

Marriage is a commitment with vows spoken before witnesses; a covenant of dedication between one man and one women to be faithful to each other until death. Each has to give up their own desires for the other's well being. Give and take.

Currently, people shirk the duty of a solid marriage commitment for the comforts of "Styrofoam cup" relationships. All the emotions, responsibilities, and lifestyles of a married couple are thrown out for just "couple"; or more politically correct, "partner". Like a Styrofoam cup, the relationship can be tossed out whenever it suits us; whenever we have had our fill. Like a Styrofoam cup which is non-biodegradable, the consequences of such relationships won't go away.

Though this isn't an endorsement of Pope John Paul II, I believe he was accurate in his assessment of commitment--less relationships, "The fear of making permanent commitments can change the mutual love of husband and wife into two loves of self - two loves existing side by side, until they end in separation."

In the same vain, Scripture tells us, "You can not serve two masters" (Matthew 6:24). Christians are called on to be committed only to Christ. Even if one is single, they are married to Christ as His Bride. We are to be wholly dedicated to the Truth of Scripture and the glory of our Father in Heaven.

Everyday I struggle with my own self-centeredness, to be committed to Christ's agenda or my own. My mother reminds me, "It's not about you"; it's about God.

Dr. Kistler told a joke a few Sundays ago:

"If you have eggs and bacon for breakfast, then you see different levels of
dedication. The chicken only made a donation; the pig made a commitment."

Let us, then, in our Christian walk be bacon.

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