Commitment

I sometimes wonder why it is so darn hard for us to commit ourselves to things. As president of our congregation, one of my jobs is to schedule council meetings. During those meetings, we take time to build relationships among the members, participate in a learning process and then tend to the business of being the church.

People really do want to serve, but try to get 11 people all together on one day of the week! Times aren't like they used to be with parents home with their children on weekday evenings. Now that both parents work, all activities occur during those times. Who can find time to meet when you are bringing your children to scouting meetings, dance classes, sports events or simply spending much needed time with family? As their leader, I am always wondering....Is it unfair to expect people to meet yet one more night? What other ways can we bring people together that will make it less of a burden to them?

Yet, when I look at Jesus' call to his disciples...he expected so much more! Jesus said, "Follow me." It meant giving up everything and following. Once, when someone asked Jesus to give him time to bury his father, Jesus said, "Let the dead bury the dead." Is the call to discipleship today just as compelling as it was so many years ago?

And what of the burden? Jesus calls us to carry our crosses for his sake...and again...take up a yoke with Jesus...for the burden is light when shared with God. Why is it that we seem to want to forget this part?

To what ministry is Jesus really calling us?