The Power of Commitment: Why It Matters
– Dr. Matthew Rowe, Ph.D., CPC, BCMMHC.
Let’s talk about commitment. You know, that thing that keeps you from bailing when things get tough—the glue that holds things together when everything else is trying to fall apart. Commitment is what makes a marriage more than just a wedding day and family more than just a group of people living under one roof.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—Oh great, another sermon on “sticking it out.” But stick with me here (see what I did there?). Through all of my experience, I can assure you commitment is so much more than duty; it’s the foundation of something beautiful, something sacred. And for those of us who see life through the lens of faith, we know that commitment isn’t just a human virtue—it’s a reflection of God’s love for us.
Marriage: The Ultimate Commitment.
Marriage is like a long road trip with the person you love… except sometimes the GPS malfunctions, the kids won’t stop asking for snacks, and someone forgot to fill up the gas tank (again). There are moments of pure joy—like when you both laugh so hard you cry—but there are also flat tires, wrong turns, and days when you’re running on fumes.
But here’s the thing: commitment means you don’t pull over and leave your spouse on the side of the road just because they snore, or they take forever to get ready, or they put the toilet paper roll on the wrong way (which, by the way, has a right way).
God designed marriage to be a covenant, not a contract. A contract is built on terms and conditions—“I’ll love you as long as you do XYZ.” A covenant is different. It says, I’m here. Through the good, the bad, the weird, and the ‘I can’t believe you just said that in public’ moments. I choose you—every day.
Family: Where Commitment Gets Real.
Marriage is just the beginning. Add kids to the mix, and suddenly, commitment looks like waking up at 3 AM to soothe a crying baby, sitting through yet another viewing of that animated movie they’re obsessed with, or spending your Saturday morning assembling a toy with instructions written in hieroglyphics.
Family life is messy. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. But it’s also a masterpiece of love in action. And here’s where faith comes in: when we commit to our family, we’re not just sticking it out—we’re mirroring God’s unfailing love. He doesn’t walk away when we mess up. He doesn’t give up on us when we make the same mistakes over and over. Instead, He stays. He loves. He commits.
That’s what we’re called to do, too. Not just when it’s easy. Not just when the kids behave and the house is clean. But always.
The Challenges of Commitment.
Let’s be honest—commitment isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it feels like you’re the only one putting in the effort. Other times, the weight of responsibility feels overwhelming. But the truth is, anything worth having requires effort.
Think about a garden. If you plant seeds but never water them, they won’t grow. If you neglect the weeds, they’ll take over. Commitment in marriage and family works the same way. It’s about tending to the relationship, even when you don’t see immediate results. It’s about investing time, patience, and grace—even when you don’t feel like it.
And yes, sometimes that means choosing grace over grudges. Sometimes it means saying, I forgive you instead of keeping score. Sometimes it means getting up early to make coffee for your spouse, even though they left their socks on the floor again. Love is found in the small, daily choices to stay faithful and show up.
God’s Example of Commitment.
If we ever need a reminder of what real commitment looks like, we don’t have to look any further than God Himself. His love for us is unwavering. He doesn’t love us only when we “deserve” it. He doesn’t walk away when we fail. Instead, He continually pursues us, offering grace and mercy at every turn.
God’s commitment to us is the perfect model for how we should commit to our families. We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). When we reflect His steadfast love in our own relationships, we create homes that are filled with peace, joy, and security.
Why It Matters.
Commitment is what builds legacies. It’s what turns a house into a home and a wedding into a marriage. It’s what teaches our children that love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action.
In a world that tells us to quit when things get hard, commitment stands as a countercultural force. It’s the unwavering decision to love, to stay, and to fight for what matters. And when our commitment is rooted in Christ, it’s not just our family that thrives—it’s our witness to the world.
So, whether you’re in a season of smooth sailing or you feel like you’re stuck in a storm, know this: commitment is worth it. Keep choosing love. Keep showing up. And remember—God never stops showing up for you.
After all, love isn’t just about how you feel; it’s about what you do. And when it comes to family, doing love well is the greatest commitment of all.
Practical Ways to Strengthen Commitment.
If you’re wondering how to deepen commitment in your marriage and family, here are some practical ways to start:
- Pray Together: A family that prays together stays together. Invite God into your relationship daily.
- Make Time for Each Other: Life is busy, but prioritizing quality time strengthens your bond.
- Serve One Another: Small acts of kindness go a long way in demonstrating love.
- Communicate Openly: Honest conversations (even the tough ones) build trust and connection.
- Forgive Quickly: Holding onto resentment only creates distance. Let grace be your default setting.
- Celebrate the Little Things: Don’t wait for big milestones to show appreciation. A simple “thank you” can work wonders.
Commitment isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence. It’s about standing firm in love, just as God does for us.
So, keep showing up. Keep choosing love. And trust that the seeds of commitment you plant today will grow into a legacy of love for generations to come.
Until next time – Blessings and Love,
Dr. Matthew Rowe, Ph.D., CPC, BCMMHC.
