To
be balanced is to have an even distribution of weight enabling someone or
something to remain upright and steady. Without balance, it is impossible to
stay steady, and as men, our goal in life should be to remain upright and
steady in all aspects of our behavior. I want to deal with two critical areas
in the lives of men that are significantly out of balance. Those areas are
commitment and passion.
First,
we need to restore the balance in the area of our commitment. Before I proceed,
let's define commitment. Simply said
commitment is a promise to do or give something. It is a promise to be loyal to someone or
something, and it is the attitude of someone who works very hard to do or
support something. Based on the definition of the word, I can see why so many
have a phobia to commit.
I
came across this quote, I do not know who wrote it, but the source I got it
from was iliketoquote.com: "Commitment
means staying loyal to what you said you were going to do long after the mood
you said it in has left you." What an insightful and profound
statement. How many times have I made
commitments when I was feeling inspired and was emotionally charged only to
later re-think what I committed to? When I was no longer excited or inspired by
the moment, I had a different perspective.
Don't worry; it happens to the best of us. However, a man of integrity will keep that
commitment regardless of his mood, or emotional condition, and this is what
makes you an upright and steady man.
We
live in a time where commitment is sadly lacking. Fear to commit to anything
seems to be running rampant, and men appear to be at the head of the epidemic.
I question why so many men are fearful of commitment; perhaps it is because
they do not know how to commit, or they have been hurt by past commitments.
Whatever the reason, learn to overcome the fear of commitment and begin to
engage. Only then can a man become who God has called him to "BE."
Only then can a man become someone who restores the balance.
Here
are some areas to work on relating to commitment:
-
Let us commit to
spending more time with God by praying more and reading the Bible daily.
-
Let us commit to
being true to our word. If we say we are
going to do something, do it! Stop making excuses. My father in the gospel the
late Bishop Joseph always said: "Every excuse is a lie."
-
Let us commit to
being better managers of our finances by becoming better stewards and seeking
help when needed.
-
Let us commit to
being better husbands, fathers, and sons.
-
Let us commit to
living by Biblical values and doing the right thing, even if the right thing
does not benefit us.
-
Let us commit to
helping other men to become committed.
Remember, "Iron sharpens Iron."
Finally,
let me close this blog by quoting what Abraham Lincoln said about commitment:
"Commitment
is what transforms a promise into reality."
Be
Blessed!
Your
Iron Coach,
Bishop
Roberto Jemmott
