Far too many professed Christians have but a “surface type only” commitment to Christ. They are “faithful” if it is convenient, if it doesn’t cost too much time and money, and if there is no opposition or persecution. Otherwise, they are quick to throw in the proverbial towel. But the fact is, true commitment to Christ demands a spirit of sacrifice on the part of the Christian. The genuine Christian’s attitude is “whatever it takes to be faithful and loyal to Christ I will do!”
Jesus declared, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). Thus, resounding over and over in the true Christian’s heart is the thought, “Be faithful, be faithful, be faithful…”
The sentiment should be, “even if it should require my very life, I will be faithful to Christ!”
This is clearly seen in the words of the apostle Paul in two contexts: (1) In Acts 20:18-35, Paul, in enumerating some of the adversities he had experienced, made the statement (read also 2 Cor. 11:24-27), “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (v. 24, NKJV).
(2) In Acts 21:8-15, when Paul was in Caesarea at the house of Philip with his missionary companions, the warning was given by the prophet, Agabus, that if Paul went on to Jerusalem as was his plan, his life would be in danger. The brethren pleaded with him not to go, but Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" (v. 13, NKJV). Brethren, that’s what real commitment is all about!
—Maxie B. Boren