They may appear as words with different meanings, but for the believer in Christ they are synonymous. Commitment according to the American Heritage Dictionary “is an agreement or promise to do something.” Covenant according to Dictionary.com “is an agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified.” The Bible tells us that “covenant” is the agreement between God and His people, in which God promised to protect them if they kept His law and were faithful to Him.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:33-37:
33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ 34 But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Christ called to the twelve and they followed. They left everything for the sake of the call. It was a commitment for which all gave their lives. They never signed a paper or took an oath declaring their commitment. There was an unspoken agreement that was deeper and more binding.
Most churches require a “signed” covenant binding members to honor their commitment to the church. But, it must go deeper than a verbal or written agreement. Believers must be aware that every promise they make impacts eternity. Broken promises are from the Evil One and will bring God’s judgment. We are accountable to Him for every broken promise, every careless word. Honoring our word is the visible outward appearance of our integrity. Agreements should not be made if they cannot be honored. Many times our hearts make promises that our minds and bodies can not fill. We must be wise enough to know the boundaries God has placed on our lives.
“Let your no be no.” We have to learn to say ‘no’ even when our hearts want to say ‘yes.’ Our children are good examples. As loving parents, we want to give them the very best of everything but there are occasions when ‘no’ is what is best.
Before you become too involved in anything, especially serving in a ministry, make sure you look at your existing commitments and time restraints. Your spouse and family’s welfare should always take precedence in your decision making. They are gifts from God and need to be invested and returned to Him with greater value. When Jesus calls you to serve — there will be a great awareness of His peace and joy that can not be explained. Miracles will happen. He will make a way that you can not deny or abandon.
He is faithful to give us everything we need. Most importantly, He will give us the passion we need to accomplish His will for our lives.
