Seinfeld on Commitment

I bet you’ve heard a few of the things that people say to encourage others to accomplish their goals. They say things like, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.” – OR – “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” It's all about commitment.

Of course, anyone can make a commitment. It’s the keeping of the commitment that’s the hard part. Seinfeld put it this way (just substitute the word “commitment” for “reservation,” and you’ll see what I mean) Take a look…

I've taught many Bible studies that started with lots of folks eager to learn more about the Bible and to enjoy the fellowship of other Christians. And yet, after only a few weeks, the size of our class would be whittled down to a smaller core of "regulars." I hear this same story over and over again from other Bible teachers. To be sure, there may be many reasons why folks aren't able to continue something they're genuinely interested in. I don't want to assume "lack of commitment" with each and every person. 

Maybe a better analogy would be the commitment to turn over a new leaf at the beginning of every new year. And we know all the stories of what happens by the end of January. I too have been one of those "new leaf turners" who was out of the race by Valentine's Day.

I don't know about you, but I want to do more than just make a commitment, I want to keep it. Jesus himself admonished those who would sign up to follow him to first count the cost of that decision. He knew how great the cost would be and that it was not something for the half-hearted and casually interested. It would take a full commitment... made and kept.

I believe one of the ways we can stay on track is via accountability with other likeminded brothers in Christ. If we would be the godly men God calls us to be, then we're going to need each other. I'll share more about accountability in a day or two.

Grace and Truth,
Dale