Listen: Chris Witts presents Morning Devotions.
By Chris WittsSaturday 19 Feb 2022Morning Devotions with Chris WittsDevotionsReading Time: 4 minutes
I love the story told by a nurse who had been working in a hospital for quite some time. It was a busy place, and she had met many patients, young and old, with all sort of medical issues.
One day—it was a busy morning about 8:30 am—an elderly gentleman in his 80s arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. The nurse took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him.
The committed husband
He kept looking at his watch and she decided, since she wasn’t too busy, to have a look at his wound. It was well healed, so she talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his stitches and dressed his wound. The two of them started talking—what are you doing this morning that you’re in such a hurry? He needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. She had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer’s disease.
Taking more interest in her patient, the nurse asked if his wife would be worried if he was a bit late. He sadly replied she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognised him in five years now. The nurse was a bit surprised by his answer: And you still go every morning, even though she doesn’t know who you are? He smiled and said: She doesn’t know me, but I still know who she is.
What a beautiful story! A great concept of love, care and commitment to his wife with Alzheimer’s disease—it’s a dreadful and complicated disease that robs people of so much. But what of those who are left to care and observe the decline in mental function?
It reminds me of the inspiring faithfulness of this elderly man visiting his wife each day for breakfast. It was not just a routine—he wanted to be there with her. Why? Because of a deep and abiding love and commitment to her. I assume he remembered their wedding vows, and was not prepared to change anything. His love for her was forever.
Understanding commitment
What does the word ‘commitment’ mean to you? It does mean a strong sense of dedication to a cause, a pledge or undertaking. A readiness to stand by your promises no matter what. Not giving up even when it’s easier to do so—loyalty, reliability, not quitting. The big question for you and me today is: Do I keep my promises?
If I commit to something or someone, do I honour that? Honouring our commitments is a big ask—something not to be taken easily. It can be relatively easy to sign up, but another thing to keep going. We can casually give our word, and casually break it. It happens all the time.
Cavett Robert, author and professional speaker, writes, “Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution, long after the excitement of the moment has passed.” If you don’t honour your commitments, people will know—and your credibility is shot to pieces. How valuable it is to be known as a person of integrity and character. At least I think so. Someone puts it this way: “Your life works to the degree you keep your agreements”.
I like that quote. Do you keep your promises? Some of the most successful business people in modern times, as well as throughout history, are people that have been described as ‘committed’ to their career or cause. They are not necessarily people of exceptional genius, nor have they built an empire based on luck. They are individuals that have held firmly to a set of commitments and seen these commitments through.
When we commit our life to God
Did you know the Bible says a lot about commitment? Psalm 37:5-6 NLT says:
Commit everything you do to the LORD.
Trust him, and he will help you.
He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Another Bible translation says, “Open up before God, keep nothing back; He’ll do whatever needs to be done.” Something quite amazing happens when you trust God and make him Number One!
Jesus said, “I have come in order that you may have life, life to the full.”
When we commit our plans to the Lord, we get more of him. We find him there and discover more about him, for his plan is that we know him. So many people try to live for themselves and their own goals, and ignore God. But God has offered us a life that goes on forever, in the person of his Son Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I have come in order that you may have life, life to the full.”
.
When we live one day at a time, understanding that God sets our course, and we let his peace rule in our hearts, the abundant life is ours, no matter what our age, rank, circumstance, hang-ups, or failures. You will not regret surrendering your life to God. He loves you, and has a wonderful plan for you. Don’t try and struggle through yourself. Divine help is there for the asking.
Many times the Lord is with us, and we don’t even know it. God is there with you even when circumstances seem out of control. He is already working everything together for your good.