Making & Breaking Commitments
Thursday, February 13
Reading: Matthew 5:27-30
Integrity
An “oath” is a promise or commitment you make. Sometimes those are really big commitments to a role or organization (doctors, marriage, military, etc.). Sometimes our commitments seem much smaller in the grand scheme of things (e.g. “I will take out the trash when I get home.”)
Most of us believe we are a person of integrity. But sometimes our actions don’t line up with what we said we would do. And sometimes we “spin the truth” to make us look better. But this does not line up with the life we are called to live as fully devoted followers of Jesus.
Most of us believe we are a person of integrity. But sometimes our actions don’t line up with what we said we would do. And sometimes we “spin the truth” to make us look better. But this does not line up with the life we are called to live as fully devoted followers of Jesus.
A Few Questions
Before Reading:
Take a few deep breaths to slow your heart and mind. Pray, inviting God into your thinking over these next few moments. Honestly reflect, and journal on the following questions:
After Reading:
How many commitments do you think you make in a day? As you go throughout your day, pay attention to anything you commit to doing with/to/for another person…no matter how big or small. This may be why Jesus invites us to “simply say yes or no”, and then let our lives speak for themselves by how we follow through on what we have committed to do.
As we do some self-reflection today, think through the answers to these questions about yourself first. Then invite someone who will be open and honest with you to share how they experience you in the context of the same questions.
Take a few deep breaths to slow your heart and mind. Pray, inviting God into your thinking over these next few moments. Honestly reflect, and journal on the following questions:
- I am most tempted to "spin the truth" in order to __________, because __________.
- The last time I did not do something I said I would do (broke a commitment/oath) was __________.
- The last time I used words to create an impression that was not accurate was__________ because __________.
After Reading:
How many commitments do you think you make in a day? As you go throughout your day, pay attention to anything you commit to doing with/to/for another person…no matter how big or small. This may be why Jesus invites us to “simply say yes or no”, and then let our lives speak for themselves by how we follow through on what we have committed to do.
As we do some self-reflection today, think through the answers to these questions about yourself first. Then invite someone who will be open and honest with you to share how they experience you in the context of the same questions.
- Do you think people experience you as someone who follows through with what they say they will do?
- Do people ask you about/remind you to do something after you have committed to doing it? Why do you think they feel the need to remind you?
- Have you ever compromised your integrity by not doing what you said you would do? What did you learn from that experience?
- In light of this, what changes might you need to make moving forward?
Resources
Here are a few tips on keeping your commitments:
- Be Principled. Make sure the commitment lines up with your values.
- Be Sincere. It's much easier to keep a promise when you genuinely want to do it.
- Be Organized. Sometimes we make promises impulsively. Be thoughtful about the commitment and whether you can actually do it considering your life circumstances (time, money, ability, etc.), then plan accordingly to fit it into your life.