Commitment:

One of the first and most important signs in one’s life pointing towards responsibility is a person’s ability to make and keep a commitment.  Unfortunately, this is a skill that very few people choose to learn.  This is a skill that takes discipline. 

Because of this we have a bunch of men and women, who, when it come to commitment choose to act instead like young boys and girls. 

Commitment is hard. 

Ideally, when a person begins the transition to adulthood, they should begin to learn the discipline of commitment; unfortunately in today’s society, that is not the case at all. 

Some of the signs of transitioning to adulthood are responsibility, independence, and discovering ones identity. 

Unfortunately, many times commitment isn’t something learned until much later in life. 

A fear of commitment is more than just wanderlust. 

A fear of commitment has deeper roots and issues. 

A fear of commitment is a problem that has nothing to do with age, gender, race, and ethnicity; instead, commitment has to do with simply making choices- choices to stick things out. 

When things get uncomfortable the natural tendency is to try something else. 

That is why the divorce rate is so high. 

That is why we have so many single parents. 

That is why we have so many drop outs. 

And whether we are aware of it or not, society is giving kids the impression that commitment is overrated. 

 A lack of commitment is a bigger issue than just committing. 
Commitment is a root problem, and every root produces fruit.

(Mat. 7:18)

And a lack of commitment can produce many bad fruits. 

The first of these is this:

1.      When you have problems committing, you will have a difficult time finding true happiness in life. 

Chuck Colson communicates this truth brilliantly:

“By abandoning commitment, our narcissistic culture has lost the one thing it desperately seeks: happiness. Without commitment, our individual lives will be barren and sterile. Without commitment, our lives will lack meaning and purpose. After all, if nothing is worth dying for, then nothing is worth living for. But with commitment comes the flourishing of society—of calling, of marriage, of the church—and of our hearts. It’s the paradox Jesus so often shared when he bid us to come and die that we might truly live.”

Which brings me to point two:

2.      When you have problems committing, you will have problems finding meaning and purpose for our life. 

Often, the moments that make life worth living for come only after pains, trials, adversity, and plenty of time.  And those life-defining moments often come after making tough decisions.

And the thing about a lack of commitment is this: a lack of commitment is not just simply waiting, or holding out for the potential of something better to come along. Instead, it is stalling.

Stalling on responsibility

Stalling on a tough choice.

And delaying the pain of making a decision and living with the consequences. 

I have heard this truth best explained like this:

“There are milestones in life that we only reach by making a tough choice, one that involves forsaking all other options. Like how to really love someone or the beauty of a long-term relationship—these are the lessons we need to learn. And the way we learn them is through commitment.” 

If you do not learn how to commit, finding your purpose in life may be a lifelong struggle. 

3.      When you have problems committing, you have no chance of leaving a legacy. 

It isn’t single moments that define a legacy. 

It is repetition.

It is consistency. 

It is commitment. 

Without commitment, the most you will experience is 15 minutes of fame; if you’re lucky. 

With commitment, you can change history. 

Why to Commit:

1.      Commitments reveal our identity.

2.      Commitments produce fruit. 

3.      Commitments help us become better people

“There is profound spiritual value in making commitments. By moving to a more committed lifestyle, you learn how to be a friend, meet a deadline, follow through on a task, and push through a challenge. Commitments help us become better people.”

4.      Commitment leads to contentment.

Commitment helps you to be comfortable with choosing your own destiny and being happy with the results. 

 Commitment will help you get over the fear and anxiety of making the wrong decision; and instead, be thankful with whatever choice you do make. 

Commitment isn’t easy, but it is worth it. 

Choose to commit; and don’t look back. 

And witness the places life will take you, and the experiences that will overcome you. 

All quotes taken from:  Goins, Jeff. Wrecked: When a Broken World Slams Into Your Comfortable Life. New Edition ed: Moody Publishers, 2012.