commitment and prophecy

Last Sabbath, we had a good discussion on our Sabbath School class. The topic for that Sabbath is about Commitment, while the Lesson Study was focused in Prophesy. Since we didn't have enough time, I want to share some thoughts on the points that were raised.

On Commitment.

There was a short skit about two people with pursuing the same goals (being valedictorian in school, being promoted at work, performing assigned task in church) while pursuing it in different way–one was committed while the other was not. So the question is what's the difference.

Like what I've shared with the group, for me, on the outside, there is no difference. On the eyes of men, commitment could mean anything, couldn’t even guarantee success. But what differs is from the inside. Although the non-committed person might show everyone about his successes, at the end of the day, he might not feel as victorious as the one who had commitment on achieving his work.

Then, the discussion was focused on commitment in a relationship, since we often connote commitment with love and relationship. The facilitator raised a question: Which can you say is more committed, a guy who works hard to give a girl expensive gifts; or, a guy who spends time with a girl but couldn't afford to give as much as the other person.

In my opinion, I would rather choose the one who gives his time IF they are the only people left in this world. ^_^

Although it could easily be concluded that time is more valuable than money; that would be too simplistic. Gifts (which do have monetary value) sometimes are derogatory since it implies buying, which in this case, love. But this can be also true with time, since there can be a trade between love and time, although no money is involved. The value of time over money would be contentious when we consider the purpose of commitment. Does he give gifts or allot time in his commitment to earn her love? Or to show his love?

Also the preference of time over gifts, or vice versa, can also be a factor. Why does he give expensive gift? Is it in exchange with the time he cannot allot to her? Or he works hard to show that he’s committed to his love not only for now but also in the future?

Therefore, although I could say that allotting time could earn more pogi points at face value when it comes to commitment, choosing him as a concrete winner would be immature. There is no argument: Both guys are both committed. The only distinguishing factor would be the guy’s definition of commitment matches the girl’s since commitment can show one’s priorities, perspective, and values in life.

On Prophesy.

The question on prophesy is about whether the date (1844) would be moved if Ezra choose to decline his mission, or would it be given to someone else. And likewise, will the second coming be delayed had we slacking off with our commission.

I think the issue the question wants to raise is: Is God's timetable regarding prophecies directly affected by our choices?

This would be hard to answer since if we say yes, this means that there is no surety in the prophesies of God–can be delayed or failed, which I can say is impossible. While if we say no, does this mean that our choices are predetermined, that God would directly control if not influence us? or God will choose another medium to perform the mission?

I think God does assign us a task in His timetable not because he needs us to perform it, but rather, we would choose to perform that assignment that’s why we are chosen to perform that mission. And there would be more people, or angels, whale, or even rocks, which are willing to be used to fulfill His divine will as stated in the prophecies.