Total Commitment

Total Commitment

[Joshua said,] “Fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone.”

Joshua 24:14

MOST WOMEN HAVE AN EMOTIONAL need for security. It is first a physical need—to be safe from danger inside and outside of the home—but her greatest security need is often for assurance that her husband is committed to her.

The husband who threatens his wife with divorce or makes offhanded comments such as, “You’d be better off with someone else” or “I think I’ll find someone else” is playing into a dysfunctional pattern.

When Joshua was leading the Israelites to the Promised Land, he challenged them to be totally committed to the Lord. They could no longer serve the God of Israel and still try to worship their old idols. They needed to make a choice. We face a similar question when we come to marriage. Will we put aside any thoughts or comments about divorce and be totally committed to our spouse?

The wise husband will make every effort to communicate to his wife that whatever happens, he is with her. If there are disagreements, he will take the time to listen, understand, and seek resolution. If she suffers physical or emotional pain, he will be by her side. Every wife should be able to say, “I know that my husband is with me, no matter what happens. He is committed to our marriage.” Every husband needs the same commitment from his wife.

Lord God, I know that I need to be totally committed to my spouse. He or she is a gift that you have given me, and I am thankful. Please help me to show my commitment through my words and my actions so my spouse will feel secure in my support.

Commitment