Devotion 1: Gamophobia

Gamophobia comes from the Greek word “gamos,” which means marriage, and “phobos,” meaning fear. It can be the fear of marriage, but it is defined as larger than that; it is the fear of commitment. 

Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” Following the Lord is the key to success. The verse even says, “He will act.” When we choose to follow the Lord, He will get involved. He will show up. David uses several other directives in writing this chapter: “Trust in the LORD” (verse 3), “Delight yourself in the LORD” (verse 4), and “Be still before the LORD” (verse 7). Commitment is essential and involves focus and a willingness to act. 

Pilate was not willing to commit to the Lord. He knew Jesus was innocent but folded. Matthew 27:24 says, “So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.’” It is sad. Pilate was self-reflecting and “saw that he was gaining nothing.” Pilate was committed to himself. It did not end well for him. He had an excellent opportunity to step up and take a stand for the Lord. He cowered. He probably did not want to lose his position, financial status, and “upright” reputation.  

Charles Stanley has said, “Too many Christians have a commitment of convenience. They’ll stay faithful as long as it’s safe and doesn’t involve risk, rejection, or criticism. Instead of standing alone in the face of challenge or temptation, they check to see which way their friends are going.” We need to be willing to step outside of our comfort zone and make a difference in the lives of people we know and those we do not know yet. The legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi, made a statement about his football team that relates to the church, “Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” Together, we are better. We need to commit to the Lord, His work, and His people. 

Zig Ziglar adds, “It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.”