The Spiritual Fear Of Commitment: Part Four
Why is saying yes so hard sometimes? Fear, can hold us back on a lot of things. This week we will be covering the idea of why saying yes to commitments can be so hard. Are commitments really that hard to stick to? Or are unfulfilled commitments rooted in something bigger that is found inside most of us? If you find yourself unable to say “YES” to church events easily, then it’s time to look a little deeper. This week we will be finishing our last fear in our four part series. So if this fear sounds like something that you are struggling with, then read on. To catch up on the other three fears in this series, click these links: Part One, Part Two, and Part Three.
Fear Of Commitment:
Bible Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
When we are asked to do something fun, it’s an easy “YES!!” When we feel comfortable with something already, then it is also something easy for us to say “YES” to. Saying yes becomes very easy when things are in our own comfort zones. But comfort zones are part of the problem. We have decided for ourselves what makes US comfortable, and those will be the only commitments that we will agree to. When the real issue is that we made a comfort zone at all. There are so many things that we “decide” are outside of what we think we want to do, are comfortable with, or willing to do. Anything that falls outside of the box, we will not make a commitment to. There could be many reasons as to why something is placed outside of our comfort zones. It could be not wanting to make a financial commitment. It could be not willing to make a commitment to giving up some of our time. It could be because we don’t want to get “stuck” doing that commitment long term and never being able to stop. Or it could be because we don’t know anyone around us. All of these reasons can add up to being why we have unknowingly labeled them “outside” of our comfort zones. That comfort zone line is one of fear. Anything that lies outside the line, we are afraid of. We are afraid of doing things we have never done before. We are afraid of looking dumb in front of others. We are afraid of judgment. We are afraid of being alone. They are ALL fears! That is why this last fear in the series is one that is SO incredibly damaging to a Church when it creeps in. When everyone has put their comforts with commitments inside of a box, then most of the Church will stop to function because no one is willing to learn anything new, or try anything new. God did not make us to be staying in one place. He made us to be always growing and always willing to help others. When we make “comfort commitment boxes” then the root of that problem stems from putting SELF over the benefit of the Church. We cannot let the fear of commitment become one that affects the Churches health. When we start saying “NO” to doing things for our Church or with our fellow Church members, then we have given in to the devils tricks. He tricked us and HELPED us put up the comfort zone box around ourselves. We MUST step outside of that box, if we want a vivid and wonderful relationship with our Creator! We MUST also step outside that box for the relationships of those in our congregations! When we let ourselves and our fears creep in the Church, then the devil has won! So tear down your commitment fear, and don’t let the devil win!
Ideas for Fears Holding Us Back:
Sign up for one church event or commitment that makes you feel slightly uncomfortable.
Ask a close friend to make a Church commitment with you.
Pray for God to help you get over the fears you have with making commitments at your congregation.
Attend all worship services. The more you attend the more you will get comfortable with your fellow Christians and the Works of the Church.
Spend time in Bible study this week, trying to learn about the Apostles. They were some of the most committed examples that we have to see what it is like to be willing to do anything for the growth of the Church.
Buy or make a bracelet that says “Say Yes!” or something similar. The idea of this is to be a frequent reminder to say yes to helping grow the Kingdom.
Write out a list of the reasons that you have for not making a commitment at your Church. Then make a list of ideas for how to get around those fears.
Conclusion:
For those of us that have seen any of the fears in this series starting to reflect in our lives, I have some good news: There is never a time where we can’t change for the better. We can conquer anything with God’s help and guidance. We must first turn to Him, gain a close relationship with Him, and then share it with others. So will you tear down any walls that you have stopping you from growing in your path homeward to Heaven?
About the Author: My name is Katie, and I’m a Church of Christ Preacher’s wife in Kentucky. I am also a proud homeschool mom to two brilliant boys. I love to craft, and make and bind my own notebooks. I also make a weekly podcast show called “Just Bible No Fluff",” where I skip all of fluffy extras and hop right into a short yet impactful exegetical study of the scripture. My mission and vision in life is this: “To empower women Spiritually by enhancing their skills in deep Bible study, equipping them to effectively teach the Gospel to others, and guiding them in cultivating Spiritual growth beyond the Church building.”