Daniel 3:17-18 (NASB)

1 – Commitment as I see it is defined as: "a promise completed".

            A. Our society today sees commitment more as a “declaration of intent”, being involved as opposed to “fulfilling the promise”.

            B. The best illustration I have found that demonstrates the difference between commitment and involvement is the ham and eggs breakfast.

                        1. The chicken is involved

                        2. The pig is committed.

            C. We need coaches, parents, and players, who will be committed, not involved.

2. I have been asked at times what I am willing to do to accommodate a youngster who wants to play two sports during the same season.

A.    My answer is always the same: a resounding “nothing”!

B.    The player who attempts to play two sports at the same time is not committed.

C.   He will always be cheating his teammates and himself by being a part time participant. 

a.    He is cheating his teammates because they cannot truly depend on him

                                                        i.    He may play in games with them, but he doesn’t practice with them all the time.

                                                       ii.    Teammates must practice together to maximize their ability to work together.

b.    He is cheating himself because he never learns what true commitment is.

                                                        i.    He can never reach his, and the team’s highest potential.

D.   Teaching our youngsters to “complete their promises” carries over into life.

a.    Will they stay married?

b.    Will they commit to raising their children or only be involved in producing offspring?

E.    The Bible shows us in Daniel 3:17 – 18 what true commitment looks like.

a.    Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Jewish youngsters were taken from their homes and marched hundreds of miles away.

b.    These boys claimed they were committed to God.  How would they behave when a really hard temptation came along

c.    The king, Nebuchadnezzar, made a decree that when the signal occurred, everyone ion the country had to bow down to a golden idol he had made.

d.    When the signal sounded, the boy’s commitment was put to the test.  Would they worship an idol over God?

e.    Remember, God’s word said, “Do not turn to idols or make for yourself molten gods; I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:4

f.    The king said if they didn’t bow down be was going to throw them into the blazing hot furnace.

g.   So, what did the Hebrew children do?

h.   They reaffirmed their commitment to God with these inspiring words, “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of the blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O King. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O King, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

F.    Are you committed to this team?

G.   Are you fully committed to your teammates?

H.   How can you “complete your promise and finish the course” set before you?