Read Matthew 22:36-40. In the movie “Bucket List” Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson come up with a list of things they wanted to do before they die and that list included sky diving, mountain climbing, safari driving, etc. Even though it would probably be a good thing for you to create such a list, Jesus outlines for you two things that should be on your list and those include loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind and loving your neighbor as your self. It is these two commands that embody what it means to move from being convinced to living committed and finding your true purpose, passion and calling in life.

• Name some of the things on your ‘bucket list’ to do before you die.
• Have you ever been convinced in your mind about something but not committed in your heart? Explain.

Read Matthew 14:22-33. Moving from being convinced to committed involves crossing a bridge that is paved with planks of faith put into action and in this story we see three steps you need to take to get from one to the other. The first step is listening. One thing that the disciples did was to listen to Jesus for their next steps and as he led them he told them what to do and where to go. Listening is key if you are to know the next steps, direction, and the place of service that Jesus is calling you to commit.

• What do you think moves you from being convinced in your mind to committed in your actions?
• How well do you listen for God’s instruction for your life? How do you think you can improve your listening?

The second step is to then actually leave the crowd and the shore behind and push out into the water. Just as the disciples were no doubt perplex by Jesus sending them away after completing the great miracle of feeding the crowd, he also told them to leave the security of the shore and put out into deep water without him. At times Jesus calls you to leave your security and launch out into the deep; and most people around you won’t understand and may get angry. But it is through your stepping out in faith in uncertainty that God will also inspire those around you to become more committed and active in their Christian lives as well.

• Have you ever left a comfortable place in life for the unknown? What happened?
• Has God ever equipped you to do something after you committed to doing it? Explain.

Read Daniel 11:32. The final step to becoming committed is to continually look to God as you move forward in your commitment. Being committed on the shore is much different than being committed on the water. On the water you don’t have any security or solid ground and must look to Jesus for strength, direction and sheer survival. However, this is the place where true miracles occur and where you will find your true identity, meaning in life, passion and unspeakable joy. Making the commitment does take work and can involve pain and misunderstanding, but after the pain count on peace, greater community, and a restored purpose for your life!

• Is commitment hard for you?  Why?
• What is keeping you from moving beyond just being convinced to becoming a fully committed instrument of God purposes?
• What commitment do you need to make to become a more effective instrument of God’s purposes?