Commitment... What happened to following through?

Commitment. I stink at it. A lot of my friends stink at it. Our nation stinks at it. Most married couples stink at it (divorce rates are scary). And I know the Church has made a few commitment errors throughout history to God (aka Sin). But, why do I feel commitment is worse in this day? Maybe it is not, but it sure feels that way.

I had two conversations earlier today with two different friends and both conversations ended with the same conclusion: "No one wants to commit to anything anymore." I know that is a pretty bold statement and it is definitely exaggerated, but we keep finding numerous "friends" who no longer follow through with what they commit to doing. Is it saving face? Is it because we live in a world where a person doesn't need to make a firm decision until last minute or they at least have the option to make a decision up to to the last second.

Think about it...

Technology is changing drastically every day. We live in a world where a person (mostly the younger generation, my generation included) would rather text a friend who is in another city (maybe just another room), then talk to the person sitting across the dinner table from them. They would rather check their Facebook than look into the eyes of a living, breathing, human sitting next to them. We are glued to our computers, our phones, our social networks. We want to know what everyone is up to at all times (I know I find myself doing this!). We live in a world where we can be up to date instantly with what is happening. Instant communication. Instant updates. Instant notifications. So...

With this instant communication, I personally believe we have become a little worse at committing to each other. Committing to showing up at that movie. Committing to showing up at that birthday party. Committing to helping with that group project. Committing with joining that group. "Why," you say? I believe this is because we no longer need to rely on "follow through."

Before cell phones, if you were going to meet someone at the movies, you had to actually plan it out. If your friend didn't show (they didn't follow through), you got worried. The "follow through" was important in this situation. Today, you can literally text your friend seconds before the movie starts and say,"Sorry dude, can't make it." You didn't need to "follow through," because you can cancel on your friend instantly. Is this right? Yes and No. Even though it is nice to know your friend hasn't been attacked on the way to the movie, you still get frustrated that they didn't "follow through." They didn't commit. Now, I know this movie example is pretty lame and we have all had friends that have ditched out on something, but isn't it nice when a person says they are going to be somewhere and they actually are?! Follow through means something. Commitment shows respect. It shows you care for the person. It's as simple as that.

Now, one thing that I struggle with is the response "Maybe." In my opinion the term "maybe," which could mean yes or no. Has become the new "no." Everyone wants to be nice. They want people to like them. So instead of saying "no," which can be seen as a flat out rejection. They say "maybe." But is it nice? In my opinion it is just confusing. Now, instead of knowing if that person is actually going to come to the event, you are stuck wondering and hoping. And when they don't show, you get more frustrated.

"Maybe" can also be seen as a cop-out. People say "maybe" so they can make the decision later and wait to see if something better comes up. Which makes you think, how selfish is that way of thinking? You are saying, "I am going to see if something better, someone better, or something beneficial (to me), will come up. Sounds pretty selfish. I find myself doing this sometimes. And I truly question my intentions. Am I being selfish? Sometimes it can look like it. So...

To sum this up...

I want to be better at commitment. I want to pursue saying yes and no (not so many "maybes"). I want to respect others better with their time and truly love my friends. Most of all I want to commit myself to pursuing God honestly and regularly. This is the most important commitment I could make.

Love goes hand in hand with commitment. And if we can't commit, how are we to love?

*Side note: When is Facebook going to create "Become an Acquaintance" in addition to the "Become a Friend" option? There is no way I can truly be a good or even real friend to over 700 people. No way.

* Second Side Note: And here is one adorable young lady that I definitely will commit to teaching, loving, following through for! My lovely niece, Hailey!