True Faith Brings Committal
There are not many things that are as fundamental to the Christian life as faith. We cannot please God without it (Hebrews 11:6). The just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38). The victory that overcomes the world is our faith (1John 5:4). Faith is fundamentally necessary to Christian success. But, what kind of faith? We need a true, genuine faith. Years ago I read a book by A. W. Tozer in which he used the phrase “true faith brings committal.” That phrase grabbed my attention and has stuck with me ever since. The problem is that the word committal has three different meanings. Don't worry, though, I think all three apply.
The first definition for committal is “pledging oneself to a particular view or position.” If you and I have true faith, we will be willing to take a stand for our view of God and our position in Him. If God is real and a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, then can we not pledge ourselves to the truth of Scripture? Hebrews 11:24-26 shows that Moses was willing to align himself with God's people even though it was unpopular with those with whom he grew up. Verses 8-9 of the same chapter show that Abraham was willing to separate from a wicked nation in which he lived. Will you say with Paul, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel,” or swear with Peter, “I never knew Him?”
The second definition is “the act or instance of committing to confinement.” This is used more in the UK and Australia, and is used in relationship to confinement in a prison or insane asylum. Does faith confine us? Certainly! Poor Enoch was confined to walking with God (Hebrews 11:5). He was so busy walking with God that he didn't get to walk with anyone else that day. Sad Rahab was confined from the perishing that the rest of the city got to enjoy (Hebrews 11:31). There is no greater, more joyous confinement than living by faith! Faith brings all the best restrictions!
The third definition for committal is “the act of entrusting to another.” If Jesus never fails, then the safest place for us and everything in our possession is in His care. Abraham trusted his only begotten son to the care and keeping of God (Hebrews 11:17-19). Moses considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than all the treasures in Egypt (Hebrews 11:26). He entrusted himself to God's care instead of trusting in the riches of Egypt. And the Egyptians had a lot of riches. I've seen the pyramids; those royal Egyptians knew how to spend money! We can trust ourselves in God's care no matter what the world offers us.
Here is a test of true faith: does committal sound good to you? Does your faith prompt you to take a stand for Christ? Does your faith confine you? Does your faith lead you to trust yourself and your possessions in God's care? Has your faith brought committal?
Paul Gibbesh