Commitment 

   We live in a society that has forgotten the meaning of commitment.  It is not longer a solemn promise or vow, but simply a conditional offering that may be withdrawn whenever convenient.

   “Give me chastity and continence, but not yet.” (St. Augustine). He knew that he was not what he wanted to be unless he gave up those pleasures and desires that he so wanted to retain.  Once he made the commitment and gave all to the Lord, he became one of the greatest saints of the Church.

   Augustin knew that he could not be the man he was meant to be without total commitment; God will not accept a “Yes, but”, only a “Yes Lord, Your will be done.”  Anything less places God on the same level as all those earthly desires that we want to retain rather than offering all to God.  Our hearts must belong to Him, and we must let Him move out all that is not Him.

   Christian commitment is hard and the more sincere the commitment the more Satan will attack it.  The attacks may be subtle or blatant, but they will come.   I am not strong enough to fight Satan alone; I must have God on my side.  With Him to strengthen me I can fight the good fight and stay true to the commitment I have made to Him.

   Nothing in this life is more important than a commitment to God.  Nothing in this life will matter once our time on earth is done.  All will be gone except the treasure that we have gained in heaven through a life committed to serving Him.