True Commitment to God By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"He that endureth to the end shall be saved." – Matthew 10:22 (KJV)
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Introduction
In a world filled with distractions, self-exaltation, and moral decay, God calls His people to true commitment—one that is based on an intimate relationship with Him rather than mere works or religious showmanship. Many people today claim to follow God but rely on their own righteousness, boasting in their deeds rather than allowing God to transform them from within. Others give in to worldly pressures, seeking the fast lane instead of enduring the slow and steady path that leads to eternal life. Still, others compromise their faith by prioritizing human relationships and worldly standards above their love for God.
This teaching explores the importance of truth in the inward parts, spiritual endurance, obedience, and holiness as the foundation of a genuine relationship with God. It reminds us that true love for God is demonstrated through unwavering faithfulness, obedience to His commands, and a steadfast walk in His righteousness.
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Truth in the Inward Parts: A Relationship Beyond Works
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." – Matthew 7:21 (KJV)
True commitment to God is not measured by the works we do in His name but by our willingness to be known by Him in the depths of our hearts. Many magnify their own efforts and believe that their religious activities earn them favor with God. However, God desires truth in the inward parts, not outward performances.
Self-exaltation is a form of idolatry. When people make their own achievements the center of their faith, they replace God with themselves. Such individuals do not allow God to search their hearts and transform them from within. Instead, they focus on their own merits and become separated from true fellowship with Him.
God’s standard is clear: He seeks a people who worship Him in spirit and in truth, who submit to His will rather than boast in their own deeds.
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Endurance: The Test of True Commitment
"But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." – Matthew 24:13 (KJV)
True commitment to God requires endurance. Many start their spiritual journey with zeal but turn aside when faced with hardships. The world pressures believers to conform, but God calls His people to remain steadfast, knowing that the race is not won by speed but by perseverance.
The story of the tortoise and the hare illustrates this principle well. The hare, though swift, lost the race because of his arrogance and overconfidence, while the slow but steady tortoise prevailed. Similarly, those who seek shortcuts in their faith or desire quick success may fall into spiritual complacency and deception.
The Christian walk is not about temporary enthusiasm but about enduring through trials and maintaining faithfulness. Those who remain steadfast in the face of adversity will be victorious in the end.
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Obedience: The Mark of True Love for God
"If ye love me, keep my commandments." – John 14:15 (KJV)
Obedience is the evidence of genuine love for God. Many claim to love Him, yet they live according to their own desires. However, true love for God is demonstrated through submission to His commands.
Some prioritize human relationships over their devotion to God, making idols out of family, friends, or personal ambitions. But Jesus made it clear that anyone who loves anything or anyone more than Him is not worthy of Him (Matthew 10:37). Those who rely on human strength rather than God invite curses upon themselves, for the arm of flesh will always fail.
God calls His people to total commitment, where He is their first love and ultimate priority. To obey God is to walk in the path of life and receive the abundance of His blessings.
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Holiness: The Standard of God’s Kingdom
"Be ye holy; for I am holy." – 1 Peter 1:16 (KJV)
God’s standard of righteousness does not change with time or societal trends. The world promotes false definitions of love, but true love is rooted in holiness and commitment.
Today, many have embraced perversions and moral confusion, rejecting God’s design for humanity. However, God does not alter His principles to accommodate human desires. From the beginning, He created male and female, and there is no room for human inventions that contradict His divine order (Genesis 1:27).
God calls His people to be separate from the world’s corruption. Holiness is not an outdated concept but a divine requirement for all who seek to dwell in His presence. Those who remain faithful to His truth will walk in the light of His kingdom and receive His eternal reward.
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Summary
True commitment to God is not about external works but about a transformed heart that seeks to honor Him in truth and righteousness. Many fall into self-exaltation, believing their deeds justify them before God. Others give up when faced with trials, failing to endure in their faith. Still, others compromise their relationship with God for the sake of worldly acceptance.
However, God calls His people to unwavering endurance, complete obedience, and holiness. He desires a people who walk in truth, persevere in faith, and remain separate from the corruption of this world.
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Conclusion
Commitment to God is a lifelong journey that requires steadfastness, faithfulness, and a willingness to surrender completely to His will. It is not a race for the swift but a path for those who endure to the end. True love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments, not through empty professions of faith.
Holiness remains the standard of God’s kingdom, and those who walk in His righteousness will be rewarded. The world may change its definitions of love and morality, but God’s truth is eternal.
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Call to Action
1. Examine your heart and ask God to reveal any areas of self-exaltation or misplaced priorities.
2. Choose endurance over convenience, remaining steadfast in your faith despite challenges.
3. Commit to obeying God fully, placing Him above all else in your life.
4. Separate yourself from worldly influences and embrace the holiness that God requires.
5. Share this message with others and encourage them to walk in true commitment to God.
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Final Word of Encouragement
God sees your heart and knows your struggles. If you remain steadfast in Him, He will strengthen you, provide for you, and lead you in His perfect will. Do not be discouraged by the pressures of this world. Keep your focus on Him, and He will guide you to victory.
"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." – Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)
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Salvation Prayer
If you desire to commit your life to God and walk in His truth, pray this prayer from your heart:
"Heavenly Father, I come before You acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. Lord Jesus, come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and lead me in the path of righteousness. I commit to following You and living according to Your will. Thank You for saving me and making me Your own. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen."
If you have prayed this prayer sincerely, know that you are now a child of God. Seek to grow in faith through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. Stay committed, and God will guide you in His perfect way.
