Christianity is a Covenant

Tonight at our high school Bible study, we talked about the erosion of commitment in our culture.  We see it in failing marriages, church-hopping, constant career changes (the latest statistics indicate that we adults change careers/jobs 11 times in our lifetimes), and a general fickleness about being rooted in any one thing forever.  Commitment---or better yet, covenant---is no longer as valuable as it once was.

The theme of covenant is foundational to the Scripture.  Throughout the Old Testament we read of various covenants made between people.  These commitments were sealed by blood and were deep promises that were expected to be kept as long as both parties lived.  Of course, covenant is fully realized in the New Testament as Christ's death and resurrection form a new covenant that connects humanity to deity.  This covenant between Christ and man is described as a marriage between the bridegroom (Christ) and the bride (His Church).  Even considering the rising divorce rate in our culture, the marriage covenant is ostensibly still valued today.  Yet, despite our respect for the marriage covenant, do we really hold our marriage commitment to Christ in such high esteem?

If I were to flirt with another woman, my wife would be hurt and our marriage would suffer.  So, I don't do that.  But I flirt with the world often and expect my relationship with Christ to be fine.  I'm sure I'm not the only one.  Not only that, there have been many times when I have chosen to be unfaithful to Christ and knowingly indulge in sin.  If I were unfaithful to Alyssa, it would destroy our relationship.  Somehow, I don't recognize the damage being done to my relationship with Jesus when I ignore our covenant.  Of course, Christ is full of grace and forgiveness but that doesn't mean my relationship with him doesn't suffer.  Days can go by without me talking to God...how many of us would have much of a marriage if we didn't talk with our spouse for a week?  I'm not writing this to be down on myself or on any of you, and I certainly don't think that Christ's love for me swings on the pendulum of what I do.  However, we need to seriously consider what the word covenant means and ask ourselves, "Am I committed to this serious pact I have made with Christ?  Will I treat Him with the love, respect and honor that I would give my spouse?"

This Christ-life is a commitment.  In a culture that does not value commitment, we MUST work hard to remain rooted in the covenant we have made with Christ.  It has to guide our steps and we must remain vigilant in keeping it.  Christianity is a covenant, and a covenant is serious business.