“Most people fail not because of a lack of desire but because of a lack of commitment.” ~ Vince Lombardi
In 1858, Charles Blondin, famously known as “The Great Blondin,” attempted to be the first person to walk a tightrope across Niagra Falls and do so without a net. Blondin would try this task many times in the years that followed. He became famous for walking a tightrope across the falls using various gimmicks. Once, Blondin crossed in a gunny sack; another time, he carried a small portable stove and cooked an omelet in the middle of his act, and then on one particular day, his wife joined him; she was a well-known trapeze artist. Blondin had her crawl into a wheel barrel, and he pushed her across the falls while walking the tightrope. When arriving at the other side, his wife jumped, and they both took a bow. He then turned to the crowd and hollered out, “Do you believe I can do it again?” There were hundreds of people in attendance, and they were cheering him on. Once spectator even replied, “Of course you can do it again, you are “The Great Blondin.” Charles Blondin made one more appeal to the crowd, “do you believe I can do it again?” Dozens shouted back, “WE BELIEVE!” Blondin replied, “will someone please come and get in the wheel barrel.” The records clearly state that not one person ever climbed into the wheel barrel, despite the crowd’s firm declaration of, “WE BELIEVE!”¹
The disciples continued to follow Jesus despite their reservations because nothing was happening, at least on their terms. The twelve disciples were expecting a revolution to develop, overthrow the Roman Empire, and restore the Israelites to their rightful place. Instead, Jesus was doing the exact opposite, they were in awe of Jesus, but their belief was in jeopardy. The disciples had certain expectations, and when Jesus didn’t meet them, their faith dwindled, and their commitment to follow Jesus faded because of their lack of belief. We do the same thing with God. When we have certain expectations for who God is and what God should do for our lives. When God doesn’t meet our ideas for living out our faith, our faith becomes weak, and God’s promises seem impossible for us to obtain. When our belief goes, so does our commitment. If we claim to believe, but there is no committed action on our part, we are lying to ourselves. Belief means commitment. It is only by a committed heart that we can follow Jesus and experience the kingdom of God. If we discover a lack of commitment for advancing the kingdom of God, it’s more of an issue of our belief than a commitment issue. If we truly believe, we will be committed. The only way we can fail is if we fail to be committed.
Scripture Readings
Reflection Questions
- What did you take away from today’s reflection and scripture readings?
- How do you confuse faith and commitment?
- How committed are you to follow Jesus?
- What fears and reservations about advancing the kingdom do you have?
- How have you claimed to believe, followed by little or no action?
- What is the difference between a decision and a commitment?
Prayer
Lord, we ask it of You: Search us, O God, and know our thoughts. See if there is any lack of belief or commitment within us. Show it to us, Lord, that we might see how much we deceive ourselves by professing we believe, and yet there is little to no commitment on our part. Lead us in the way of commitment everlasting; we ask in Jesus’ holy name, Amen.
Guess i led a boring life in lots of folks eyes. Never smoked drank or cursed. Saw no reason to. Enjoyed church work helping others and didn’t expect anything in return Always enjoyed helping from the sidelines and letting someone else have the glory. Never was important to me. Taught our kids and grandkids to be kind to all no matter their status in life or skin color. Taught them they were no better or worse than anyone else. Always told them God gave them a brain and he expected them to use it. That they alone were responsible for their actions. Our youngest son was in service for 22 yrs. he once called home to tell me he couldn’t find in any church what id taught them. He said he thoughts it was mama Schutte’s version. I ask if he thought i was wrong and he said no. Never understood how money bought happiness. Always tried to follow the golden rule. Has always worked for me. Sorry didnt mean to preach a sermon
You live an exciting life. You are committed to serving others in the name of Jesus; there is no better way to live. You are an incredible example to me and countless others. We all love Ellen Shutte.
I can still envision Lombardi prowling the sidelines. He had the drive, determination AND commitment that was infectious and it showed in how his teams performed.
Lord, help me be committed to the purpose you have for my life.
Amen, may the Holy Spirit fill all leaders with that drive, passion, and commitment.