Commitment

By Norma Miller

May 1, 2012

Commitment is a word packed with meaning. I used to think I understood the meaning of this word when I married my husband. But in time, I realize that commitment doesn't end when it requires something from us. Neither does it end when our spouse does something we don't like. It doesn't even end when they hurt us. And it doesn't end when we are misunderstood. In fact, sometimes it calls for great sacrifice.

Recently, I needed to give something up that was very dear to my heart and it had to do with something that came up between my husband and I.

I am not saying that our husbands should not be sensitive to our needs and wants, likes and dislikes, dreams and goals, but when something is consistently happening between two people, it is time to give that something to God. It may only be a short term sacrifice.

Sometimes when we yield, our spouse may realize they are more important than that thing, and not feel so threatened by it, or it may be a situation that changes and is not an issue in the future.

Sometimes when we yield something to the Lord's control, He rewards us by giving it back.

Sometimes He gives us something better.

When God requires us to give something up, we don't always know whether we will get it back, however, God promises us that the water He gives us will quench our thirst. We can rest in that promise, and know that anything God gives us is the real deal and will satisfy us more than anything the world or our flesh has to offer. Oh I know, it can sometimes be hard to see past our flesh and desires. Some things are not easy to give up. Among those are relationships or addictions.

The thing I needed to give up for my husband was a relationship. I am struggling with resentment that I need to give up a perfectly good friendship just because it makes him feel insecure. This really hurts and feels unfair. But the question at hand: is it worth it to hang onto something that compromises our relationship?

To whom did I commit my life? The answer is, my husband. And that is what matters. I do not have the promise of ever being able to communicate with this person again. But I do have good memories, and I know that we are still friends even though we are not an active part of each other's lives. And though I feel sad right now, I have joy and peace because I know I made the right decision.

Commitment-the choice to be faithful to keep a promise, no matter what the cost may be. My husband is worth that commitment.

 

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