I suppose this becomes even more of an issue with me because in my job I depend on those who have committed to being part of a specific event. Whether it is serving kids at a local apartment community of delivering meals to a senior citizen, if someone says they will do something, and then doesn't do it, somebody else surely suffers for it. Generally the ones who endure the fallout are the very ones who have been responsible to show up and then have to shoulder not only their commitment, but also the extra work of the one who isn't there to do their part. Oh, I'm not talking about the rare cases when something unavoidable and out of control comes up - stuff happens. I'm talking about the inclination to blow it off when the time comes to do something you've promised to do and you just don't feel like it, or something else seems more compelling at the time. After planning and coordinating hundreds of outreach events, I have witnessed over and over the fallout of unfulfilled vows.
At the same time, and even more significant, the weakness of human character has allowed me to witness the strength of the character of God. God has yet to call me to a task that, with or without the compliance of others, He has not provided the means to accomplish. Where I am weak, He is strong. When I strive in my own strength, or even depending on the strength of others, He backs off. But when I, in total humility, admit my utter frailty and dependency, He shows up in glory and gets it done. He has proven that He is able....time and time again. It is my saving grace.
Nevertheless, we are interdependent and we need each other. So, if you've said you would do something, please think twice before you change your mind. Chances are, someone is really depending on you to follow through. And, when you don't, you are placing your share of the load on already overburdened shoulders.
