Keeping Commitments
Scripture – Luke 14:15-20: 15When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” 16Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18“But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’ 19“Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20“Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
Reflection: One of the things I’ve learned to take seriously is keeping a commitment. There are some invitations I receive that I just don’t want to accept. I used to say “Yes,” knowing that I wouldn’t be going. Immediately I would start planning or looking for my excuse. I would wait until almost the last minute, then, like the folks in this story, apologize and not come.
Now I’m still not perfect in this. And I don’t do it consciously, as I used to. In most cases, though, I have learned to weigh invitations carefully. And if I say “Yes,” I’ll be there – whether it’s something I want to do or not. If I say “No,” I move on free from any need to backtrack.
Sometimes it’s hard to say, “No.” I’ve been invited to serve on many committees or participate in very worthwhile projects. In spite of how guilty I may feel, I’ve learned my own integrity is on the line. It’s better to decline the invitation rather than accept it knowing I’ll probably not follow through or I’ll give only a half-hearted effort.
This also allows me to say, “Yes,” without over-booking myself. I’m much better off doing a few things well rather than many things poorly. I don’t know what invitations may come my way today. I do know I’ll be ready to hear them, pray for guidance and make a clear decision.
Reflection: One of the things I’ve learned to take seriously is keeping a commitment. There are some invitations I receive that I just don’t want to accept. I used to say “Yes,” knowing that I wouldn’t be going. Immediately I would start planning or looking for my excuse. I would wait until almost the last minute, then, like the folks in this story, apologize and not come.
Now I’m still not perfect in this. And I don’t do it consciously, as I used to. In most cases, though, I have learned to weigh invitations carefully. And if I say “Yes,” I’ll be there – whether it’s something I want to do or not. If I say “No,” I move on free from any need to backtrack.
Sometimes it’s hard to say, “No.” I’ve been invited to serve on many committees or participate in very worthwhile projects. In spite of how guilty I may feel, I’ve learned my own integrity is on the line. It’s better to decline the invitation rather than accept it knowing I’ll probably not follow through or I’ll give only a half-hearted effort.
This also allows me to say, “Yes,” without over-booking myself. I’m much better off doing a few things well rather than many things poorly. I don’t know what invitations may come my way today. I do know I’ll be ready to hear them, pray for guidance and make a clear decision.
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