Many decisions and commitments are made during the life of a Christian. What separates the real decisions and the temporary decisions? No one would make a decision knowing full well that they don’t plan on keeping it. When decisions are make, we are fully intent on following through. So why does it seem that decisions made at camp are often forgotten about 1 or 2 months later?
Accountability - During a camp week, campers are focused on God. The counselors and other leaders are focused on God. The counselors are almost always around their campers to help them focus on God. This accountability and constant focus on God is what helps the campers stay focused on their decisions. When the campers get back from camp they have ball games, hanging out with friends, and other things to do other than worry about the decision they made at camp and often times, no one around to remind them.
Paul held the Corinthian church accountable. I Corinthians 4:14-15 - “I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. For though you might have tenthousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”
Importance - When decisions are made, they are made because the camper thinks that the decision is an important one to make at the time. Likewise, any decision that is made that would cause someone to be more like Jesus is an important decision. At camp all spiritual decisions are held in such high regard that some might even be tempted to make a decision just because everyone else is. It is true that if something is important enough for you, you will make time for it. If changing your life to become more like Jesus is important to you, you will make time. If basketball or piano is most important to you, you will make time. Larry Bird use to shoot 200 free throws before school every morning. He MADE time to shoot. There is always time for devotions, it’s just whether we make the time.
Paul also knew what it took to BECOME more like Christ. Romans 12:2 - “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Steps to help follow through on your commitments
Step 1: Find someone who WILL keep you accountable. Someone who will ask you the tough questions. Someone who you can speak truthfully to.
Step 2: Understand the importance of your commitment. Commitments made before the Lord should not be taken lightly. Make the time to give you the opportunity to succeed. Be willing to clear things that are not important off your schedule to make room.
Step 3: Pray. God wants you to succeed. God will help you follow through if you would only ask. He loves it when we make decisions for Him. He loves it even more when we follow through. God gave you the Holy Spirit to help you. You are not alone.
Everyone should be able to see if you followed through on your commitment. They should see a changed life. They should see a desire to please God. They should see a Christ follower.
Philippians 1:6 - “being CONFIDENT of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you WILL complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
If you would like more tips on how to follow through successfully with your commitments, please email pm@youthteam.org or see Pastor Matt.