The Test of Commitment

“Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.’” Genesis 22:1-2

“Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.’” Genesis 22:9-12

When J.C. Penney opened his first store, a meat market, he had no idea how his Christian business ethics would be tested. The chef of a nearby hotel demanded a bottle of liquor each month as a bribe in exchange for the hotel’s continued business. Penny refused. The hotel and other major clients took their business elsewhere. Penney’s shop closed down, but he didn’t give up. He built his new, successful dry goods business on the same biblical principles. Eventually, certain skeptics recognized the value of following biblical principles.

At some point, the Lord will test your commitment to Him. The test may not be financial, and it may not be like Abraham’s ordeal of faith, but you will be tested. Remember that in every trial, He has your best interest at heart. God does not test you to discover your level of commitment. He already knows how you will respond. Instead, God challenges you so that you will learn the level of your devotion. What areas do you need to give to Him? Is there anything you are holding back?

Friends, family, or co-workers may criticize, but God promises to see you through. Be obedient to His leading, and you will be positioned for His richest blessings. God honors those who obey Him at any cost.