Commitment’s Price & Value
Baptism is a concrete step toward a deeper commitment to the Lord. When we take such a step, there will often be opposition and a price to pay. Satan does not want us to be more committed to God. His goal is to get us to doubt God’s goodness or to make us feel defeated so we give up. Yet, the Lord’s goal in allowing our deeper commitment to be tested is to strengthen our resolve so we can move to the next level (Jas 1:2-4).
Shortly after Augustine became a Christian, his mother, son, and a close friend all died. Augustine could have become bitter toward God and given up. Instead, he turned to the God of comfort and to God’s Scripture which is able to give us hope (Rom 15:4). He prayed and sought the Lord. Like David in one of his darkest moments, he encouraged and strengthened himself in God (1 Sam 30:6).
Are you a believer who has not yet been baptized? Why are you delaying? Do it. Have you been baptized but God is asking you to make a different kind of deeper commitment? Do that also. I sincerely doubt Augustine would have fulfilled the great plans the Lord had for his life had he not taken a step toward a deeper commitment then handled the opposition in such a way that it made him stronger and more determined. The Lord has a plan for you, also. Don’t let it slip away. Don’t give away your inheritance because you shrink back from making a greater commitment. The opportunity to be more committed is a blessing in disguise. Take it.
When God wants a couple or family to alter course, the revelation is normally clear.