Commitment

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This is the first in our series on the 10 C’s to Building Momentum.

You might think the first step to building momentum would be getting started.

The fact is, the very first step is COMMITMENT to getting started.

The next steps are COMMITMENT to keep going and COMMITMENT to finish what you start.

On July 1, 1776, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. They voted in favor of declaring America’s independence, and on July 4, they officially adopted the Declaration of Independence. Over the ensuing weeks, 56 men signed the document. By doing so, they made a solemn commitment to creating a free and independent United States.  We today do not realize the gravity of that commitment.

Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families. Of the 56 men, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary Army. Another had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six fought and died from wounds or hardships of the war. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships sunk by the British navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts and died in poverty. At the battle of Yorktown, the British General Cornwallis had taken over Thomas Nelson’s home for his headquarters. Nelson quietly ordered General George Washington to open fire on the Nelson home. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt. John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying. Their thirteen children fled for their lives. His fields and mill were destroyed. For over a year, he lived in forests and caves, returning home only to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later, he died from exhaustion.

Kenneth L. Dodge, Resource, Sept./ Oct., 1992, p. 5.

While it is not likely that starting a business or a ministry in this day and age would result in such persecution, it will at some point involve adversity. Ask yourself if you are committed to the idea enough to stand strong in the face of challenges, to work harder than anyone else, and to keep going when your strength ebbs. If you simply start a business or a ministry without the commitment, you will most likely fall at the first obstacle. If you enter the business or ministry with a strong level of commitment, your chances of being successful increase significantly.

Commitment will ensure you…

Carefully Chart Your Course

Overcome Obstacles

Maintain the Pace

Measure Goals Long Term

Initiate Action to Resolve Issues

Take the Initiative to Progress Toward Goals

Manage Challenges

End Unhealthy Practices

Never Give Up

Treasure the Opportunity

Those who signed the Declaration of Independence were truly committed, and because of that, you and I have the freedom to begin a business and start a ministry. Honor their sacrifice by honoring your commitment to your work.