Dear Friends:

In the first commandment, God says in no uncertain terms: “You shall have no other gods before me.” We know the commandments are not just to honor God, they are to bless us as well. This month I want to encourage your commitment, or recommitment, to God. Last month I had a day that deepened my Christian commitment more than any-thing else I have witnessed except walking where Jesus walked in Israel. (That was my top experience and recommendation to you: go to the Holy Land. I am planning another trip in December of 2011.) But aside from that, the Oberammergau Passion Play inspired me more than anything else I have seen. Since 1634, when the townspeople prayed to God to be spared the Black Plague, they have stopped their work and honored God, preparing every year for productions which are held every ten years. Only those born in Oberammeragau are allowed a part in the play and the town has just 5000 residents! Almost 2000 are in the play in some way! How do they get such extraordinary performances out of such a small talent pool? Commitment seems to be the key. From just the residents come the chorus, soloists, orchestra, actors, sets, and staging! It was beyond compare--not just for a small town, but for anywhere! Commitment abounded! What we could do as a church with even more commitments than we have! Check yourself: if the Lord Jesus were to return today, do you think your commitment level to him would be apparent, or would your record of life be other choices or excuses?

In the Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible), the prophet Elijah, who was totally committed to the Lord God, challenged those who were marginally committed; his words are famous. “How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the LORD is God, then follow him; but if Baal (here substitute whatever takes your time more than God), then follow him!” We are not called to equivocate, or hedge, or make excuses, we are called to a life of commitment. Again, like with the commandments, our choice to follow them not only honors God, it will also bless us as well.

In the New Testament, the angel of the seven churches of the Revelation had many complimentary things to say to Christians who were seeking to be faithful. But the angel had warnings to those who weren’t. In particular the angel said this to the Christians in Laodicea, who were just marginally committed: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot! Would that you were cold or hot! So because you are lukewarm, I will spew you out of my mouth.”

A new fall season is upon us: two services, choir, Sunday School, other classes, Men’s and women’s and youth groups. This could be a new day for you and your family. “As Dr. Phil likes to say: “This can be a changing day in your life!” Choose God, not just in belief, but in actions. There is a little town in Germany that chose to honor the first commandment in thanks to God over 350 years ago. What does your life and activities tell God about your Godly commitment?

Yours in Christian Service,