"Always Abounding In The Work Of The Lord”

Illus: For example, Dr. Robertson McQuilkan’s commitment in marriage was severely challenged when his wife, Muriel, contracted Alzheimers disease.

Dr. McQuilkan was president of Columbia Bible college and seminary when he was faced with a big decision. He could not continue as president and take appropriate care of his wife who at this point could only speak in phrases and words and was prone to irrational behavior. She was afraid when she was not with her husband. Even his most trusted and godly friends advised him to put his wife in an institution for the sake of his ministry. After all, how could he retire when things were going so well and he was only 57 years old?

When the time came, McQuilkan’s decision was firm. It took no great calculation. It was a matter of integrity. He commented, "Had I not promised, 42 years before ’in sickness and in health... till death do us part’?" Later he would go on to write of the joys and blessings he had received as a result of the special time spent with Muriel.

Illus: Also, when it comes to commitment someone wrote, The question is asked, "Is there anything more beautiful in life than a boy and girl clasping clean hands and pure hearts in the path of marriage?" And the answer is given, "Yes-there is a more beautiful thing; it is the spectacle of an old man and an old woman finishing their journey together on that path. Their hands are gnarled but still clasped; their faces are seamed but still radiant; their hearts are tired and bowed down but still strong. They have proved the happiness of marriage and have vindicated it from the jeers of cynics."

But there is another kind of commitment that we hear about these days and we need to be careful not to adopt this kind of commitment.

Illus: For example, A photographer tells of a young man who wanted duplicate copies of his girlfriend’s picture. The photographer noticed the following inscription on the back of the portrait, "My dearest Tom, I love you with all my heart. I love you more and more each day. I will love you forever and ever. I am yours for all eternity." Signed, Dianne.

P.S. “If we ever break up, I want this picture back."

Two examples of commitment, both declaring terms of love and devotion forever, one demonstrating love and devotion and the other one only use words of love and devotion.

Quote: Arthur Gordon acknowledged, “Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them day after day.”

Commitment today is almost unheard of because we live in an age of DISPOSABLE THINGS!!!

That is, forget about commitment, you can always find:

• Another spouse

• Another job

• Another home

• Another church

This seems to be the way a lot of folks think these days. They do not know the first thing about commitment.

Illus: In this age of disposable things we now have…

• Disposable needles

• Disposable milk containers

• Disposable diapers

• Disposable gloves

• Disposable paper plates and cups

• Disposable forks and spoons

• Disposable cameras

• Disposable hand towels

• Disposable shaving razors

• Disposable bibs

• Disposable bottles

Illus: Thinking of disposable diapers, a woman’s group said, “Do you know what would have happened if it had been three wise WOMEN that arrived at Baby Jesus’ Manger instead of three wise men?” They would have:

• Asked for directions

• Arrived on time

• Helped deliver the baby

• Cleaned the stable

• Made a casserole

• And brought disposable diapers as gifts

This disposable age in which we live has caused some serious problems, especially:

(1) IN MARRIAGES –

Many enter marriage with the idea that if it does not work out, divorce and find someone else.

Listen, every marriage has problems but these problems are to be worked out.

Illus: That reminds me of the woman that a judge was interviewing about her divorce.

• He asked, "What are the grounds for your divorce?"

• She replied, "About four acres and a nice little home in the middle of the property with a stream running by."

• "No," he said, "I mean what is the foundation of this case?" "It is made of concrete, brick and mortar," she responded.

• "I mean," he continued, "What are your relations like?" "I have an aunt and uncle living here in town, and so do my husband's parents."

• He said, "Do you have a grudge?" "No," she replied, "We have a two-car carport and have never really needed one."

• "Ma'am, does your husband ever beat you up?" "Yes," she responded, "About twice a week he gets up earlier than I do."

• Finally, in frustration, the judge asked, "Lady, why do you want a divorce?"