Finally, the new sign announced the refurbished building as a family diner. I love diner breakfasts, and these owners were fully committed to their business.

The Challenge

On my first visit, the server delivered some exciting news with the menu. This breakfast diner did not serve pork products. My breakfast meat options were beef bacon, beef ham, or turkey sausage. When I asked why, I was told it was because of religious reasons. Although I don’t understand or practice the owner’s religion, I supported their commitment. I even kind of admired it. 

I want to believe all Christians commit to Christ and His teachings as strongly as the owners of this morning diner that didn’t serve pork. After all, God’s expectations are relatively straightforward. Beyond keeping the Big Ten, we need to love God with a strong commitment. We are to be kind, loyal, and humble. Our goal should be to extend grace and mercy, and yes, we need to keep loving our neighbors, even the more rascally ones. All of that can prove challenging enough some days. Yet, we are called to remain faithful.

But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

~Luke 9:62 NLT

The Compromise

The local foodie community got wind of the new diner’s menu. Unfortunately, their reaction did not include understanding or grace. Pure outrage and many unkind words and threats filled social media. The next time I visited the diner, their new menu listed six breakfast meat options, three of them pork products. Their compromise saddened me.

The Commitment

When we find that others are firm about their beliefs, it refreshes us. In the same way, it’s nice when others know they can count on us to show up when we say and do what we’ve promised. As Christians, reaching our true end goal requires that we never compromise. Jesus was pretty serious about commitment.

We need to find and spend more time with fully committed people. We need to mimic people who finish strong without compromise. Our hearts will always break a little when someone compromises or quits. Yes, the road is narrow, and we do get tired. But fully committed is the goal. Nothing less is acceptable.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

~Galatians 6:9 NLT

Do not give up or give in. Stay fully committed until your end or until Christ returns. Continue in the way to which you have committed, with or without bacon.

Let’s agree to finish strong. Never let others convince you to compromise. Believe what you believe.

Heavenly Father, help me to stand firm in all I believe. May I never compromise or give up my commitment to You and Your way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Fully Committed: Cynthia Mendenhall: All Rights Reserved