Jesus asked Peter this question in John 13:38. Peter had just boldly declared that he would and Jesus asked, “would you, really?” This is a tough question, the kind that requires serious, deep, and honest reflection. If Christ were to ask each of us the same question, some of us would, like Peter, boldly say we would, others might say “no,” but I suspect most Christians, knowing Peter’s story, would honestly say “I don’t know” or “I’m not sure.”
The question is why would we hesitate? To be clear, I’m not suggesting Christians begin to court martyrdom (that’s already reality for many around the world). I’m only asking us to think about why we would hesitate to give our all for the Savior who gave us his all. It’s important that we identify the source of our hesitation because it impacts how we live out our faith every day.
Before we default to Rom. 7:15-21 and argue that it is human weakness in the face of the power of the sinful nature that makes us hesitate, let’s cons ider the possibility that maybe the reason is simply that we are not as committed to Christ as we may say (or think) we are.
Sure, we value our faith—we know Christ’s beauty and power and are immensely grateful for our salvation. But maybe there is a part of us that continues to want to be master of our own lives. Maybe we are still more committed to ourselves than we are to Christ. Maybe that’s why we will obey and serve him to a point, why we shrink back when he asks for more (time, resources, sacrifices, etc.), why we try to bargain away the obligations of obedience (I know he wants this, but I’ll do this instead), why we resist a higher call to consecration or holiness (and choose to keep our questionable habits or hobbies), and so on.
Our lack of commitment may be hard to spot and even tougher to admit, but it has serious and unmistakable consequences. It stunts our spiritual growth, cripples our witness for Christ, and compromises our ability to contribute to furthering God’s purposes. God cannot really trust the uncommitted with much or use them in meaningful ways because they will jump ship when things get uncomfortable enough (e.g. John 6:60-66).
We can give offerings, sing a thousand songs, go to Bible studies, volunteer at church, and so on. But until we decide to take God seriously enough to submit to his authority and obey His every command no matter how small or difficult (even if we do it imperfectly), our Christianity will remain hollow and powerless. If we choose to remain this way, we should not be surprised if ever the day comes and we are asked if we know Christ, we find ourselves saying like Peter—”I don’t know what you’re talking about” (Lk. 22:60).
May God grant us all the grace to bend toward greater commitment.