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But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard….We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
(Gal. 5:22–24 MSG)

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Another key to developing commitment as an armorbearer is to commit to the ministry as a person should commit to marriage. If you are married, of course, your marriage comes before your position in the church; however, you should approach the work for the Lord with the same fervency.

Concerning commitment, I heard a story of a farmer with a chicken and a pig who loved him because he was so good to them.
On the farmer's birthday, the chicken went to the pig and said, "Let's do something special for him."

The pig replied, "That sounds great, but what can we do?"

The chicken said, "Let's serve him breakfast. I'll give him eggs, and you can give him bacon."

The pig said, "Wait a minute. You are only giving an offering, but you're asking me to make a total commitment!"

It will require a total commitment to be faithful and do what you are called to do. The strongest key to having a successful marriage is communication. Likewise, in working with your pastor and leaders, communication is a must. The reason for misunderstandings is a lack of communication. Jesus always took the time to communicate with His disciples. He knew that the continuation of His ministry depended on it.

This need for communication works both ways, of course. Workers need to let their leaders know of potential problems, and leaders must take the time to communicate what is in their hearts to their people. If a leader is truly joined to his flock as a shepherd, the sheep will know his voice. People cry for security. In the ministry, that comes from making a commitment to a leader and that leader making a commitment back to the people.

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer

Is it difficult for you to make commitments and to follow through on them? If so, why? What has been your level of commitment to your job as an armorbearer? Are you as committed to it as a person should be to his marriage? If you have people serving under you, are you asking more of them that you are willing to give yourself? Are you faithful to communicate with your leader and those who serve under you? Do you need to improve in this area? Dear God, I know that You take my position as an armorbearer seriously, and I take it seriously as well. I commit to being my leader's armorbearer with the same intensity that a spouse should commit to his marriage, although I am careful to give my marriage priority over my ministerial duties. Help me to be an effective communicator, and give me the wisdom to know what to say and when to say it. May my commitment comfort and strengthen my leader. Amen. Source: God's Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers