I think there are several stages of commitment that help us remain faithful to a ministry for the long term.
The first stage is a strong beginning. There needs to be a special circumstance, a significant incident, or a strong feeling within us that moves us to do something. For me, the third one was especially true. Something very strong was in my mind and heart when I jumped into this ministry. I believe this is the first stage of commitment—a kind of promise we make to God: “God, I will do this because You have put it in my heart.”
The second stage is finding meaning in what we do. We begin to ask, “Is this work meaningful to my life?” When we see that our work is good, that it helps other people, and that our ministry makes a difference, we begin to find meaning in it. Without meaning, it is difficult to keep going.
At this stage, even small accomplishments are important. We see some progress. We see people becoming happier, finding joy, and growing through the ministry. These small results give us a sense of accomplishment and encourage us to continue. A good beginning and small successes can strengthen our commitment.
The third stage is quite different from the first two. Eventually, we encounter difficulties, roadblocks, disappointments, and unexpected problems. We begin to learn about human nature, about ministry itself, and about ourselves through real field experience. We wrestle with problems, sometimes for a long time, but we continue to move forward.
Then something important happens: we begin to grow.
I believe some of the most important moments of my growth came through these difficult experiences. I remember reading an article by Peter Drucker in which he said, in essence, that if no one is going to receive any personal benefit from the work, it is possible to succeed. That thought struck me deeply.
I was working for something, but what if I did not expect any personal benefit from it? Then perhaps I could truly give myself to the work itself. I understood that this meant working for the ministry—not for recognition, success, position, or personal gain, but for the ministry itself.
Because I was already in the midst of ministry, I gradually understood this idea through experience. It did not happen all at once. I understood it slowly, over many years.
This concept became one of my lifelong companions. I continually ask myself, “Why am I doing this now?” And my answer is: “Because God wants me to do it. Nothing else.”
Through this question, I have recommitted myself again and again to the task God has given me for that particular season of my life.
Finally, there is the ultimate stage of commitment: to accomplish what has been given to us in our lifetime.
Our goal is not simply to begin well, survive difficulties, or experience growth. Ultimately, we want to complete faithfully what God has entrusted to us.
Jesus expressed this kind of completion at the end of His earthly ministry: “I have finished the work you gave me to do.” His life reminds us that commitment is not only about starting—it is about finishing.
So, let us continue to commit ourselves, again and again, to the work God has given us.
Let us remain faithful until the end.