I have been giving a lot of thought recently to the subject of commitment.  There is, without a doubt, a crisis of commitment in this country.  The following are just some of the problem areas:

  • Marriage
  • Parents who simply give up when raising their children becomes difficult
  • Companies to their employees
  • Employees to their companies
  • Paying your debts
  • Arriving on time
  • Changing churches on a whim
  • Children who quit mid-way through activities such as music, sports, etc…

In the summer of 2010, I made a serious commitment.  My pastor, Crawford Loritts, asked me and about a half-dozen men to play a leadership role in a men’s discipleship program at our church.  Here is what I agreed to:  For 18 months, I would arrive at the church every Wednesday morning at 5:30 AM where I would lead a table group for two hours.   This responsibility also includes some homework, book studies, and additional responsibilities.

I have completed about 50% of that commitment and let me tell you –that 4:00 AM alarm each Wednesday is brutal!  But I gave my word.  That may not be important to everyone but it is to me.  I gave my word.

The following are the key learnings I have gleaned by being committed and faithful to this assignment.

  1. Behavior. This is a microcosm of my life.  If I quit this because it’s tough or inconvenient, I will quit other things in my life when they get tough or inconvenient.
  2. Loyalty. A man I deeply respect asked for my help.  I can’t let him down.
  3. Respect. My wife and daughter are always watching.  I want them to respect me.
  4. Relationships.  I have made friendships with a great group of guys.
  5. Satisfaction.  I don’t always want to go but I’m always glad I did.
  6. Perspective.  Life is not about me or what I want.  Life finds meaning when invested in others.
  7. Growth.  Being faithful in little things over an extended period of time yields great results.
  8. Opportunity.  If you are faithful where you are with what you have, you will get more than you have and increase who you are.
  9. Passion.  I own the result.
  10. Accomplishment.  I want to be able to say “I did it.  I made it.  What’s next?”

“I did it.  I made it.”  I’ll be transparent and let you in on a personal dream.  That’s what I really want.  I want to be an elderly man on my death-bed, holding my wife’s hand and being able to look her in the eyes and say “I did it.  I remained committed.  I was faithful.  I made it to the end.” 

“What’s next?”  If you quit, you unknowingly rob yourself of the joy of “What’s next”.  It is always darkest before the dawn.  If you’re thinking about quitting anything listed in the opening paragraph, please don’t.  I have a feeling that “What’s next” may be the greatest thing that’s ever happened in your life.  DON’T QUIT!

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