Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
John 2:23-25
“Committed to the cause of Christ” and “Committed to Christ” are phrases commonly heard in the spiritual airspace of today’s modern church dialogue when the subject of purpose or commitment is mentioned. Apparently, if you are a believer, saying you are “committing” your life to “Christ” or to his “cause”, distinguishes you as a true follower of Jesus Christ and is a confession of one’s faith in the gospel.
Making such statements are well and good, so long as they have heaven’s backing. We can say a lot of things and confess to have an intimate relationship with the Savior, but if our words are formulated from self-centered agendas and not in Holy Spirit inspiration, the byproduct may simply be vanity. Please, if this is provoking or causes you irritation, read on as the word of God has something to say in the area of commitment we can learn something from.
The Apostle Paul writes that the carnal mind is ‘enmity’ against God and not subject to the law of God. (Rom 8:7) A carnal mind is the one barrier that God Himself cannot even penetrate. It has been said that mankind is God’s only creation that can be stronger than its Creator. How? Because one can “resist” God with a carnal mind and its subsequent carnal thinking. And He cannot and will not violate the unyielding human will.
How much more should true believers keep a watchful eye out and be on guard against the negative crud that so easily creeps and seeps into our minds. We are all flesh and subject to drift at times from the pure word of truth and the leading of the Holy Spirit. The word says that the Spirit of truth will lead one into “all truth”. (Jn 16:13) What is truth? Jesus said that his word is truth (Jn 17:17). Truth will not lead one astray. Truth never changes. And truth will never leave one lacking at the end of the day.
So, how is it that being ‘committed to the cause of Christ’ is not enough? Let’s look at some ‘committed’ people in the N.T. and see how they fared.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Matthew 7:22
Committed people, yes? Prophesy, spiritual exploits, miracles; sounds like commitment to me. However, the very next verse reveals a bewildering and shocking response to the commitment:
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:23
The problem was not the commitment, but Jesus’ lack of endorsement. Why? Because their reply exposes “what was in” them and their motivation in living for God; fleshly ambition. Their reply was entirely self-centered and inwardly focused as they only remark on the flashy outward demonstrations for the purpose of glorifying flesh. No mention is made about the less glamorous, inner workings of the spirit such as souls being led to heartfelt repentance, of sins being washed away, or the healing of broken lives.
The majority of believers do not fit into the class of people Jesus is addressing here. Most people who ‘confess’ the presence of Jesus in their lives sincerely want to know Him deeper in relationship, revelation and regeneration so they can take others along on this glorious journey.
But, we must acknowledge that the Lord is giving us a warning here that not only must we be committed to Him, but we need to be certain that He is also committed to us!
May the Lord help us all to strive to be all that He wants us to be.
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: II Peter 1:10
Messes To Masterpieces 