Week 1 of 48

VEST Value Focus: Commitment and Dedication

Scriptural Basis: “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit
these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

Narrative

Commitment is the willingness to serve someone and his cause: it involves your mental and
physical loyalties to that person or purpose. It is to make over in trust, to put unto change or
keeping, or to bind to a certain line of conduct. For example, commitment to God means that
you are willing to trust Him with your life and that you will consciously look to Him for
guidance and direction. Commitment is not to be taken lightly, especially when your
relationship with God is at stake.

Commitment is being willing to live and to die for a cause. Sadly, a different kind of
commitment, called compromise, destroys the reputation and dignity of people. When we
become committed to making money or establishing our political clout in the government, we
become compromisers. Same thing happens when we decide to maintain multiple sexual
relationships to honor our word to sustain those we get entangle with.

Meanwhile, dedication is a complete commitment to something or someone. When you are

dedicated to something, your whole heart is in what you are doing. Dedication may involve the
setting apart of something or someone for a special purpose.

Of all the dedicated people recorded in the Bible, perhaps Paul stands out as the best example.
After his dramatic conversion in Acts 1, he dedicated his life to living for God. His dedication
was proven by his willingness to travel and spread the good news about Jesus, tolerate suffering
from others, go the prison, and even face death on a regular basis.

As you read through Paul’s experiences, think of your own level of suffering in connection with
your Godly beliefs. What do you think would it take for you to come closer to Paul’s level of
dedication in spreading the word about what you believe? How dedicated are you to your
commitment to be righteous? Your dedication to your job? Family? Loved ones? How
dedicated are you to rid the government of corrupt officials? Are you showing your dedication
by being efficient?

Action Plan

Is there anything that hinders your total commitment to God and to what is just and right? Are
you in compromise rather than in commitment? Think about your vices, bad company, illegal
connections, or illicit affairs. Decide to cut them off and live a new life. Dump alcohol,
nicotine, and drugs. Refuse bribes. Ditch extra-marital relationships. It may not be easy to turn
on a new leaf, but it will be worth the pain.

Declaration

I am a person committed to God and righteousness. I have the grace of God to resist the
temptation to engage myself in ungodly commitments. I can discern when a relationship
becomes more of a compromise rather than a partnership. From this day forth, I shall
disentangle myself from actions and situations that may cause me to compromise my faith and
conviction.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me the grace to commit only to what is Godly and righteous. Show me
the compromises I have engaged myself with and give me the wisdom to put an end to them.
Save me and my loved ones if cutting ungodly ties would endanger our lives. Bring me to the
path of righteousness and let the whole world know that you have changed me. Amen.