Honoring Our Commitments

Some of the greatest character flaws in the millennial generation can be linked to the absence of genuine commitment.

The person who commits to nothing is just one example of this flaw. This type of person stays on the fence and is afraid to commit to a good deal of things whether that be a relationship or their plans for the weekend. Many times they are uncomfortable locking into a decision for fear that they will miss out on something better.

Some are on the opposite side of the spectrum and commit to too many things. This kind of person is on the run 24/7. They have so many meetings, events, and activities that they lack the time to do anything well. By dabbling in so many areas, they become a prisoner of their commitments and lack satisfaction in their lives because they do not have the time or energy to do anything well.

Additionally, there are the people that commit to the wrong things. One current example of this is the people that are camping out in the different Occupy Wall Street Protests around the country. Instead of camping out and “occupying” various cities, these people could be occupying their nearest adoration chapel praying to God for our country or at the local abortion mill praying for the unborn during the current 40 Days for Life campaign.

With all of these problems with commitment, how is one to make genuine commitments that are life-giving and productive? Jesus gives us a good starting point in Matthew 5:37, “Let your yes be yes, and your no be no”. Let us strive to be people who live by our word. If we commit to something, let us be charitable to our neighbors and honor them by following through on our commitment.

Another way to help us navigate the realm of commitment is through a self-assessment. Matthew Kelly suggest in his new book Off Balance that we write down our top 5 or so priorities and then list them in order of importance. See the book for more details about how to determine your priorities.

I would then suggest that we write down the different commitments we currently have and bring them with our list of priorities before the Blessed Sacrament and simply ask ourselves, why I am doing these things? After scrolling through our list, we should then ask Jesus, what do you want me to do? He may amaze us at the things he asks us to do or to give up. This process should be done periodically as we move through the different seasons of our lives so that we stay in touch with God’s plan for us.

Although commitment can be a hard thing for us, there is a sense of freedom that will come to the person who has made the commitment. Left to our own whims, we are rather skillful at falling short of greatness whether that be in exercise, our studies, or our vocation. By committing to something, we limit our options but also free ourselves to wholeheartedly pursue the goal at hand. Learning the practice of genuine commitment now is great training for whichever vocation the Lord is preparing us to enter. A person can only fully experience the joys of romantic love through the commitment of marriage. Similarly, religious men and women only totally give themselves to the Lord as they publicly profess their vows and give up other vocational opportunities. Although these commitments require great sacrifice, they also can bring great reward.

So, have you been on the fence about a commitment? Maybe your school or parish has a need that you can help with, even if it costs you some time. On the other hand, maybe you have a big life decision ahead of you such as a college choice, a job, a romantic relationship, or a chance to enter a religious vocation. Take these decisions to prayer and then make a decision. God will reward you for your commitment and make you a better person for your choice.

Bob Waruszewski

Bob Waruszewski

Bob Waruszewski is a cradle Catholic from Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated from St. Vincent College with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics. Currently he works in the energy industry in the Pittsburgh and is enjoying life as a married man and father to his one year old daughter. He enjoys hiking, reading a good book and competing on the athletic field.

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