Three Commitment Mistakes
Commitments will always be a part of our lives and how we manage them can have a large impact on our everyday life. Let’s address three frequent commitment mistakes.
1. We Don’t Commit
Many people think, “Why commit when something better might come along?” Or “I want to keep my options open.” This type of thinking doesn’t value other people. Romans 12:10 reminds us to “be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." In order to honor others, we need to respond with a solid yes or no and follow through on it.
2. We Overcommit
“If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy!” Have you ever heard that? Many of us say yes to all the things at the expense of our families and our sanity. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” It is hard to be fully committed when we are over committed. Let’s strive to seek God’s wisdom through prayer and community when deciding what we should be committed to.
3. We Ditch Our Commitments
Many people flake on commitments with little thought of doing it in a God honoring way. After all, things happen and plans change. There will be times when each of us will have to admit that we said yes to something that should have been a no. I follow a few steps when I find myself in these situations.
First, own the mistake. Humble yourself and admit that you’ve made a mistake. Second, ask for your time back. You’ve already said yes. And Matthew 5:37 tells us to “let your yes be yes and your no be no.” So in order to allow my yes to be a no, I need to ask the other person for permission to make the change. Third, respond accordingly. If you are released from your commitment, show gratitude for the grace extended. If you were not released, remember it was your mistake and persevere through the commitment.