Topical Encyclopedia CommitmentCommitment in the biblical sense refers to a steadfast dedication to God, His commandments, and His purposes. It is a wholehearted devotion that is evident in one's actions and decisions. The Bible emphasizes the importance of commitment in various aspects of life, including one's relationship with God, family, and community. In the Old Testament, commitment is exemplified in the life of Abraham, who obeyed God's call to leave his homeland and go to a land that God would show him (Genesis 12:1-4). Abraham's unwavering faith and obedience to God demonstrate a profound level of commitment. Similarly, Joshua's declaration, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15), underscores the importance of a resolute commitment to serving God. The New Testament further highlights commitment through the teachings of Jesus Christ. In Luke 9:23, Jesus states, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me" . This call to discipleship requires a deep commitment to follow Christ, even at the cost of personal sacrifice. The Apostle Paul also exemplifies commitment in his ministry, as he writes, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14). Integrity Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. In the Bible, integrity is closely associated with righteousness and uprightness. It involves living a life that is consistent with God's standards and being truthful in all dealings. The book of Proverbs frequently addresses the theme of integrity. Proverbs 11:3 states, "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them" . This verse highlights the guiding role of integrity in leading a life that is pleasing to God. Similarly, Proverbs 20:7 declares, "The righteous man walks in integrity; blessed are his children after him" , indicating that integrity not only benefits the individual but also has a positive impact on future generations. In the New Testament, integrity is exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ, who lived a sinless life and consistently upheld the truth. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of integrity in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 8:21, he writes, "For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men" . This reflects the biblical principle that integrity involves being above reproach both before God and in the sight of others. The Bible calls believers to live with integrity, as seen in Ephesians 4:25, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another" . This exhortation underscores the importance of honesty and truthfulness in maintaining integrity within the Christian community. |