Commit Out Loud

I remember the many times I have been in an audience or congregation, on the receiving end of a speech, presentation, or sermon and the one speaking asks for some sort of audible response from us. That response is quiet and less than inspired. At which the speaker just looks out and makes a comment about the weak response or simply asks the group for more conviction in their response. Once I have given a heartier response I feel the conviction and commitment to take action related to the ask of the speaker.

In another example, committing to something is more concrete when it is written down for all to see. I may think that I want to work on something in my life, but until I write it down for all or at least some to see, it is just as thought and therefore there is no commitment or accountability to take action. Once I have let someone else know of the action I would like to take, they others are free to hold me to taking action and let me know when I am or have missed the mark.

“⁴⁶Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.” – Luke 23:46 (ESV)

This verse is from and the death of Jesus. Notice His “calling out with a loud voice”. He was speaking to God, His Father and was not concerned with who heard Him as there were many watching on. Jesus wanted to make sure that God heard His cry and commitment to what was happening. Earlier, before even His arrest, Jesus committed out loud to go through with His death as instructed and a part of the plan laid out for Him.

“⁴¹And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ⁴²saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.’ ⁴³And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” – Luke 22:41-44 (ESV)

Jesus did not lack for the commitment and especially out loud. Notice the audible commitment to follow God’s will, “saying,…not my will, but yours”. Jesus committed out loud to take action, even when that action meant additional or more excruciating suffering, “And being in agony”.

I have work to do in my commitments, and especially those commitments made to and around my relationship with Christ. First, I have to make those commitments and then secondly, I have to make those commitments for all to see in a public place or at least out loud or written down. I have to be willing to let everyone know so that they can help me accomplish that which I have committed to undertake. I have to continue to remember that public commitment I made to Christ with my baptism so many years ago. I have been washed clean and I have to start acting like it, and I need your help.

What about your commitments, which of them are you willing to make out loud? Are you keeping them to yourself to avoid them? What if you were to publicly announce your commitments to Christ so others could assist you in taking action?