Apostle Allison Smith Conliff encourages believers to maintain a steadfast commitment to God regardless of life's hardships. The message emphasizes the importance of living with integrity and warns against becoming a "sour Christian" who complains or lives a hypocritical lifestyle. Using the biblical example of Matthew, the Apostle explains that followers of Christ must be spiritually prepared to face opposition, comparing them to sheep sent among wolves. She highlights the power of studying the Bible over seeking quick supernatural signs, noting that a deep relationship with the Word provides true resilience. Finally, the Apostle shares a personal testimony of overcoming medical and personal trials, demonstrating that God is a faithful deliverer during moments of crisis. Overall, it serves as a call to perseverance and holy living in a challenging world.

Key Points:

Total commitment to God prevents spiritual sourness and bondage by replacing a divided heart with a focused, 100% dedication to living in spirit and truth. Spiritual sourness and bondage often stem from "looking back" at past sins or a former lifestyle with desire, much like Lot's wife.

"Sourness" in a believer is described as a state of being "broke, busted and disgusted," often characterized by complaining about the rules of Christianity or serving God without joy. Total commitment prevents this condition through the following ways:

• Choosing Joy Over Complaining: Sourness is a choice made by those who focus on what they "could have done" before being saved rather than looking at the connection they have made with God and where He is taking them.
• Full Engagement with the Word: Instead of being "Sunday morning believers" who live like the "devil cut loose" on Mondays, totally committed individuals prioritize the Logos (written word) and Rhema (spoken word). This engagement causes the spirit man to come alive and creates a desire to grow rather than becoming a "sour lemon" that hinders others.
• Prioritizing God’s Glory: A committed believer does not seek a "self-serving agenda" or personal showcase but seeks only to manifest Jesus. By putting God first, even above academics or physical fitness, a believer gains an "excellent spirit" that makes navigating life easier.

Bondage is often the result of an inconsistent spiritual walk, which the Apostle refers to as a "yo-yo life", going back and forth between Jesus and Satan. Total commitment acts as a safeguard in several ways:

• Closing Doors to Satan: Taking a "break" or a "sabbatical" from God is viewed as dangerous because it allows Satan to "dance around you" until he gets inside. Total commitment means desiring God's manifested presence at all times and in all places, leaving no room for the enemy to gain a foothold.
• Avoiding Secret Vices: Bondage often begins with a "secret life" or a single vice, such as a lie or fornication, which Satan uses to hook an individual. Total commitment requires guarding one's character and maintaining integrity even when away from the pulpit or the sanctuary.
• Eliminating Lukewarmness: There is no room for lukewarmness; a believer must honor their "vow" to God in both good and difficult times. Sticking with Jesus through trials prevents the "spiritual distress" and "organ failure" that can come from worrying instead of trusting God.
• Choosing Discipleship over Backsliding: By deciding to be a "son or daughter of God" rather than a "prodigal" or a "backslider," a believer can function efficiently and effectively in every season.

In summary, total commitment prevents sourness by fostering a spirit of gratitude and engagement with God's Word, and it prevents bondage by maintaining a consistent, 100% connection to Christ that denies the enemy any opportunity for influence.

Rec. Date: 7th April, 2024