There once was a chicken and a pig which lived on a farm. The farmer was very good to them and they both wanted to do something good for him.

One day the chicken approached the pig and said, “I have a great idea for something we can do for the farmer! Would you like to help?”

The pig, quite intrigued by this, said, “of course! What is it that you propose?”

The chicken knew how much the farmer enjoyed a good healthy breakfast. He also knew how little time the farmer had to make a good breakfast. “I think the farmer would be very happy if we made him breakfast.”

The pig thought about this. While not as close to the farmer, he too knew of the farmer’s love for a good breakfast. “I’d be happy to help you make breakfast for the farmer! What do you suggest we make?”

The chicken, understanding that he had little else to offer suggested, “I could provide some eggs.”

The pig knew the farmer might want more, “That’s a fine start. What else should we make?”

The chicken looked around…scratched his head…then said, “ham? The farmer loves ham and eggs!”

The pig, very mindful of what this implied became terrified and began trembling to which he replied to the chicken,”that’s fine, but while you’re making a contribution I’m making a real commitment!”

This story while it may be humorous, is so true as it relates to so many believers today. While people may be willing to sacrifice parts of themselves or their lives such as their finances, their time, even their gifts or talents, many of these same people find it much more difficult to totally commit themselves and their lives to Jesus.

A committed life to Christ does not come by accident. It is a life that is purposefully lived. Paul explains in Galatians 2:20, “I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” It will take great faith to live for our Lord. Paul had this faith in Christ to the extent that some accused him of being “beside ourselves” (2 Cor. 5:13). However, what these people did not understand is how one could love and have such a great faith in Christ (1 Cor. 5:14,15). When we fail, it is because of lack of faith (Heb. 3:12). We must be aware that we must sustain our faith in Christ.

This faith that we have will lead us to walk by faith. Paul stated in several passages as he would quote the prophet Habakkuk, “… But the just shall live by faith.” (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38). “The faith” or the gospel of Christ produces this faith by which we walk. Christians must not reject the words of Christ (John 12:48). Christians must have a working faith (James 2:17-26). Children of God must “hold fast the pattern of sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13). Getting to heaven will depend on whether I live by faith in the Son of God.

As Paul would later write to his beloved son in the faith, Paul would declare,

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (2 Tim. 4:6-8)

Would it not be wonderful to be able to state these same words when it comes our time to die? I believe Paul could state these words because of he was totally committed to God in his life. I also believe that if we would be totally committed to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we could declare the same thing. It will take commitment on our parts for us to truly experience of the fullness of all God destined us to be this side of heaven.

Thus, I ask you my friend, “how committed to the Lord are you?” And have you totally committed everything in your life to Him? If you haven’t, then I believe I can honestly without reservation tell you that you’re not experiencing all God has for you.

The choice is yours….the choice is mine. I choose to be totally committed for He chose to be totally committed to me.

How about you?

Remain blessed,