This is an agonizing time of the year for college football coaches and fans. Star high school athletes are making decisions that will determine where they will spend the next four years of their lives. They are taking official visits to college campuses around the country and are being given the royal treatment. Each school hopes that the recruit will commit to signing with them, and many do long before the official signing date. Even with commitments declared, college coaches continue to pursue these athletes, causing some to change their minds and sign with other schools. Recruits can state that they are a "soft" commitment to a school and continue to make visits to other campuses. The definition of commitment is "to bind" or "obligate," which implies that the decision is firm and final. But obviously, that meaning is diluted in the world of college recruiting.

Without question, commitment meant something totally different to Elisha. He was plowing in a field when Elijah found him. Elijah threw his cloak around Elisha, indicating that Elisha was to be his successor. How did Elisha respond? He asked permission to go back home to prepare a farewell feast for his family. He took the oxen and slaughtered them. He then burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people to eat. Then he followed Elijah and became his attendant. We certainly would not call Elisha's response to the situation a "soft" commitment. He was decisive and left no doubt that he was obligated and bound to Elijah.

Many times in our faith and as competitors, we make commitments that are less than "firm." We say yes, but often move in other directions if something more attractive comes along. And too often, we make these "soft" commitments, but ask fellow Christians and teammates to believe otherwise. It may hard to be honest with others and ourselves, but God knows our hearts. So, next time you commit, remember Elisha and stand firm!