Commitment can best be understood as a _determined demonstration_ of resolved allegiance to someone or something.
It means all other options are _removed_ and replaced by a clarity of committed purpose.
7 Clarities of commitment:
Ruth 1:8-14
1. Determination (_count the cost_)
“But Ruth said. “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you.”
Ruth 1:16a
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 16:24-25
2. Discretion (_leave behind the old_)
“For where you go I will go,”
Ruth 1:16b
3. Dependence (_genuine trust_)
“and where you lodge I will lodge.”
Ruth 16c
4. Desire (_fellowship with Gods people_)
“Your people shall be my people”
Ruth 1:16d
Husbands love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Ephesians 5:25
5. Devotion (_total surrender_)
“and your God my God.”
Ruth 1:16e
6. Dedication (_not going back_)
“Where you die I will die”
Ruth 1:17a
7. Destiny (_eternal/everlasting_)
“and there will I be buried.”
Ruth 1:17b
“17c May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” 18 And when Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more.
Ruth 1:17c-18
Are you a kisser or a hugger?