I have a friend who is such an avid lover. He goes 130,000% for the ones he loves and cares about; friends and partners alike. About two years ago, he had his precious heart broken. It was painful to watch, especially knowing how much of himself he poured into that relationship. But before 2024 year ended, he found someone new. She, too, was fresh out of heartbreak. She was honest with him from the jump: “Give me six months. I’m not ready yet.”

Now, most people would’ve taken that as a sign to pack it up and move on. But my guy? He stayed.

Every single day of those six months, and then more, he went above and beyond to show her how much he cared. There were plenty of days where he didn’t feel like it. Days he felt like quitting. Days it felt pointless. But he stayed the course. And it ended beautifully. His heart, and his patience, finally got a yes after all those months. (There is an update to this story that doesn’t really matter to this post)

That story inspired me deeply; not just because of love, but because of his commitment.

Commitment Isn’t Cool, But It’s Crucial

In today’s world, commitment isn’t trending. It is often swapped out for whatever’s easier, shinier or more convenient. That could be for a number of reasons:

• For some, it’s a lack of passion or interest.
• For others, it’s fear; fear of failure, rejection, or wasted effort.
• Sometimes it’s uncertainty; “What if this doesn’t work?”
• And other times, it’s simply that we have too many options.

Whatever the reason, so many things are falling apart because of our inability to commit, to dig in, to stay, to push through. And one of those things falling apart is our relationship with Jesus.

Jesus Isn’t Just for the Exciting Days

Commitment isn’t about momentum, it’s about mission. It requires that we keep going regardless of obstacles, boredom, or doubt. It requires that we show up even when the spark fades, when the butterflies leave, when the routine sets in.

“No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
– Luke 9:62 (NIV)

If we care about Jesus like we say we do, we’ll commit to Him, and not just in the emotional moments or during powerful worship nights. We’ll commit in the silence, in the mess, in the Thursday afternoon slump when our Bibles are collecting dust and the only prayer we can utter is, “Help.”

Real commitment means rearranging our priorities. It means giving Jesus the same consistent, focused energy we give to work, love, ambition, or goals. Commitment reflects how much we value something and that’s shown in how we keep showing up.

We need to find reasons to get better instead of finding excuses for our spiritual laziness. Let’s grow from casual faith. Let’s recommit, deeply, fully, intentionally.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
– Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

This is what the committed life looks like. It’s not passive belief, it’s surrendered living.

We’re not the first ones to be called to this. Job, Daniel, Paul, Moses, Abraham, even Jesus, chose the path of commitment. Through every hindrance, they pressed on. Let’s be people like that. Let’s be people who stay when it’s easier to leave.

If we say we care about Jesus, let’s love Him with follow-through, not just feeling