7 Laws Of LoveSample

Love Requires Commitment

Love requires commitment, and commitment requires abandoning our exit strategies.

One of my favorite examples of removing any exit strategy comes from the prophet Elisha. The Old Testament book of 1 Kings chronicles Elisha’s extraordinary story. God called Elisha into a life of ministry, but Elisha wisely understood that embracing his calling would mean letting go of his current career. He had to make a choice between his love for God and his need for the familiarity and financial security of his home.

Elisha was a farmer from a family of farmers. His cattle and his farming equipment represented his family trade, his heritage, and his income. Elisha didn’t want the temptation of a comfortable exit strategy in his mind on the days when his new life in ministry might get uncomfortable. Elisha wanted to go all in with God.

To simultaneously celebrate his new calling and publicly display his commitment to God, Elisha threw himself a very unique going-away party. He slaughtered all his cattle and cooked their meat by burning all his farm equipment. He was symbolically and literally lighting fire to his exit strategy.

As he celebrated his new adventure with friends and family that night, they all knew he wouldn’t be coming home, because he’d made sure he’d have nothing to come home to. He had removed the temptation. He had eliminated the exit strategy. His love for God moved him to make a dramatic commitment.

God honored Elisha’s commitment. Elisha went on to become one of the most significant spiritual leaders in Israel’s history. His love, faith, and commitment to God continue to inspire people around the globe.

Love thrives where love is rooted in commitment. Make sure your loved ones know your love isn’t just a fickle feeling; it’s a promise for your shared future. Embrace a deeper sense of responsibility for and accountability to your loved ones, and you’ll be cultivating fertile soil where lasting love can take root.