July 8

Why is Commitment So Difficult?

COMMITMENT

Consider the cost before you commit to anything. 

For many, the word commitment makes them feel very uncomfortable. 

Have you ever wondered Why commitment makes many of us uncomfortable? Why is it hard to commit to anything these days? What does commitment ask of us? Who benefits most from our commitment? 

Before you make a commitment make sure to weigh the cost. 

Luke 14:28-30 28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

The dictionary defines Commitment as-the state or an instance of being obligated or emotionally impelled (urge, or drive as if by exertion of strong moral pressure)

John Maxwell said, “Pressure can make following through on commitments look impossible. Then it tempts you to stop looking for ways to keep your word. But the price of breaking promises is high. And a good solution to your problem can usually be found if you search beyond what looks impossible.” 

Let’s go back to the questions

  • Why does commitment make many of us uncomfortable? Because commitment demands time, effort, and attention.  We live in a world and a system that’s constantly fighting for our attention, and time. It’s  important to understand that commitment is determined and driven by what we value most. Ex. I’m committed to binge watching an entire season of a show. Why? 

I recently heard someone share with me their 3 years plan or desire of where the person  wanted to be in life. I proceeded to ask, do you have a written plan? How committed are you to the plan? What are you going to sacrifice to make sure your desire comes to pass? After asking these questions, unfortunately, the person did not have an answer and mentioned that making sacrifices and a commitment was a struggle and too much to ask. The person had a wish list only, no true desire to make it a reality. 

  • Why is it hard to commit to anything these days? 

  1. Because commitment takes work. 

  2. Many people don’t have a strong conviction or passion 

  3. They don’t believe in their vision or an organizations

  4. Convenience. It’s easy. No really work needed

What does commitment ask of us? 

  1. Priority

  2. Time management 

  3. Determination

  4. Sacrifice 

I have a strong conviction that our society is in dire need of men and women who would commit to a life that places priorities on the things that matter most such as:  

  • Family

  • Children

  • Education

  • Finances

  • institutions - church, schools, community boards, 

  • Mentoring

  • Leadership

  • God 

We need men and women to be committed to true impact, change and sustainability. 

Your presence and commitment matter to your family and to others around you. 

Your commitment to God is the most important one, because everything else stems from it. 

5 thoughts to consider to practice commitment: 

  1. Pray and make an informed decision. Know beforehand what you are committing yourself to. It will require time, discipline and time management

  2. Do not let your emotions discourage you. There are times when we will experience discouragement because we are not refueling our commitment. Our emotions can become a hindrance preventing us from accomplishing our desired outcome

  3. Manage time wisely. It’s important that you don’t overcommit to many things that will exhaust all your energy and strength in trying to manage yourself and your family.

  4. Sacrifice. When we commit to a cause or to someone greater than ourselves, it gives our lives meaning, purpose, and direction.  

  5. Elevates you- Brian Tracy wrote, “your level of commitment is going to determine the attention that you get from your superiors because highly committed people are always considered more valuable to an organization and preferred for promotions. 

One final thought. God is not interested in promises or sacrifices; He is interested in our unwavering commitment to believe, follow and live our faith in Him daily. He calls us to a higher and deeper level of commitment. It’s our turn to consider if a commitment to Christ is really something we want to make. Proverbs 11: 29- “He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be a servant to the wise at heart.”  The one who mismanages his house will see all he has blown away and he will have nothing left in the end. He will serve he who manages well. 

-E. Rustrian