Commitment…
Lookout Mountain, GA
This week I am sure there will be a lot of talk about new years resolutions. I am not a fan of them to be honest. I love the idea behind them, but rarely do they ever stick and make a long-term difference in someone’s life.
The word resolution is defined by google as: a firm decision to do or not do something. I can make a firm decision about lots of things, but I am free to change my mind, let circumstances change my direction, or even just let it go. There isn’t really any accountability there. It is too easy to get out of it, which is why I believe they don’t work as well as we think they will.
Committing to change is a whole other ball game. Commitment is defined, again by google, as the following:
1. The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.
2. A pledge or undertaking.
3. An engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action.
Those 3 definitions all have some strong words in them. Being dedicated means you will not change your mind. Taking a pledge means you will follow through with what you agree to no matter what, and both of those things restrict your freedom to back out when the times get tough.
See the difference?
I truly believe in making commitments over resolutions. These past couple years have taught me so much about making changes and how to stay on track. I have learned what works for me, and what allows me to stray off the path I need to be on. Making a commitment to do something means you will follow through and make things happen, even when it is hard or uncomfortable. I made the decision to write this blog over a year ago and I haven’t missed a week other than the one time I felt led to get my wonderful and wise wife to write one.
I have fallen short of my commitment to stay exercising this past year. I will be renewing that commitment this year and I will not fail again. All of you can hold me to it. One thing I have not failed on is allowing myself to be used to help others. I have taken the opportunities presented to me head on and accomplished things I wouldn’t have ever believed I was capable of. I heard this saying while back. God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.
This week I encourage you to home in on something you need to work on to be better for yourself, and commit to making it happen. No excuses, no backing down.
“Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.” Psalms 37: 5 NLT