WHOLE HOG COMMITMENT

If you've been reading here over the last couple of days then you know we are neck deep in a remodeling project at the Annex. Joining us in this work is a group of teens and their leaders from CATB that have given up their Spring Break to come to Crossroads and help.  They're kind of like missionaries to Lower Alabama.  It's awesome!  Also, driving hard to get this work done is long-time, hard-working Crossroads regular and volunteer extraordinaire Randy Grimes.  Seeing this work, on the heels of a great weekend at Crossroads where dozens of committed volunteers and servant-leaders made it all happen as they do every week, puts me in mind of the commitment it takes to really be a follower of Christ, and a servant of others.

You know, there's a difference between interest and commitment. When we're interested in something, we'll do it when circumstances permit.  But when we're committed to something, we'll do it no matter what.  Being committed is where the good stuff happens. Being committed is where the life-changes happens.

So...a chicken and a pig were walking down the road one morning. The chicken was getting hungry when he saw a diner ahead.  A sign on the diner said, "Breakfast Special - Ham & Eggs $1.99".  The chicken turned to the pig and said, "Hey, that's a great deal, and I'm hungry.  Let's go eat!"  Pig looked at the chicken and said, "Really not that hungry". 

The chicken was upset.  "Pig, I'm starving!  Let's eat something!" The pig said, "Um...really, no."  They argued all the way up the road to the front door of the diner.  The chicken, exasperated, said finally, "Pig, It's just breakfast! For crying out loud, let's go!"  The pig gave the chicken a withering look and said, "Look, for you ham and eggs for breakfast is a small contribution, but for me - it's a whole hog commitment!" 

I know, it's beyond corny.  But it's a great illustration.  Many of us back away from getting seriously involved in a relationship with God because we fear the cost.  We may take an interest, but we blanche at the idea of "whole hog commitment".  When I look at these young people and their leaders, and the dozens who willingly give of their time, talent and treasure at Crossroads, I can't help but see that they've made that leap.  And they are truly reaping a huge reward in the quality of their lives.

Here's a fresh challenge to wrestle with this week: Don't let the best you have ever done, be the standard for the rest of your life.   Give more.  Do more.  Love more.  Serve more.  Take commitment to a whole new level.  Why?  Because you and I will never know what we can accomplish until we become willing to get committed and stay committed.  Go whole hog!