My Christian Commitment

         This was written by a young African pastor and was found among his papers in Zimbabwe after he was martyred. This essay was given to Dr. Nina Gunter, general NMI (Nazerene Missions International) director, by the late Dr. Louise Robinson Chapman, former missionary and general NMI president. I was asked to read it at the Missions service at our church and it moved me. It reminded me of another item of mine ("I Am A Soldier"   by Qundar: Man Of Constant Sorrow ) and might be by the same author (the other item was written anonymously. Anyway, I better stop blabbing and get on with it.

"MY CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT":

         I'm a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I'm a disciple of His, and I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.
         My past is redeemed. My present makes sense. My future is secure. I'm done and finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.
         I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right ot first or tops or recognized or praised or rewarded. I live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by Holy Spirit power.
         My face is set. My gait is fast. My goal is heaven. My road may be narrow, my way rough, my companions few, but my guide is reliable and my mission clear.
         I will not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed.
         I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice or hesitate in the presence of adversity. I will not negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.
         I won't give up, shut up, or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ.
         I am a disciple of Jesus. I must give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes for His own. And when He does come for His own, He'll have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear!