Multiple levels of commitment to discipleship are on display in the lives of followers of Jesus. Discipleship is frequently seen as an option in the church and the bar set for membership requires only a low level of compliance. Many church members comply with the minimum measures of church membership but compliance is not enough to carry out the vision of the church.
Peter Senge says, “…there is a world of difference between compliance and commitment. The committed person brings an energy, passion and excitement that cannot be generated if you are only compliant… A group of people truly committed to a vision is an awesome force. They can accomplish the seemingly impossible.” – Peter Senge, page 221 (The Fifth Discipline). Whether it is done consciously or unconsciously, disciples are aligned on several decreasing levels of commitment. Senge identifies seven levels of commitment in the chart below.
Scriptures:
Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment” (Matthew 2:37-38 English Standard Version).Jesus made the cost of discipleship plain. “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24). The true cost of commitment to Christ is one’s total self-denial.
Self-reflection Questions
- How do you interpret and live out Matthew 22:37-38?
- Relate your commitment to the table. Where do you place yourself?
- What must you do to move your discipleship commitment to the next level?
Consider Paul’s example of commitment in sacrifice and service. Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
Commit to pray for both the committed and the apathetic and all others that struggle with commitment to Christ, church and personal discipleship.
If you’d like a printed copy of this activity to share, you can find copies in the hallway outside the Sanctuary or download one here.