In my line of work, I hear these three little words all the time. They come after I give something to someone usually or offer to help someone do something. My nonproof is based on Jesus’s words to his disciples: “Freely you’ve been given, freely give,” so I practice the act of remembering whatever I have is really God’s and not mine anyway.
WE’RE NOT CALLED TO DO THINGS HALF-HEARTED
When I hear someone ask, “are you sure?” it has less to do with their questioning my decisiveness or integrity and more to do with their processing a kindness. And that’s ok! But I still take a minute and usually say something like, “about ten years ago I stopped saying and doing things I wasn’t absolutely sure about!” And it’s true!
NO REGRETS!
What’s the best thing about being certain in what we do and say? We usually don’t regret our decisions. Making a choice/decision with all of who we are means we have considered the options and are comfortable moving forward. We’re not second-guessing ourselves, and there’s a wonderful freedom in that.
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3 STEPS TO PRACTICING CERTAINTY IN OUR DECISIONS AND MODELING IT FOR OUR MENTEES
- Listen To Jesus. He said in Matthew 5 that we’re foolish to make oaths on anything in heaven, on earth, or even on ourselves because when did we get the power to even turn a hair white or black?? Jesus instructs us to be practical. Simply say “yes” and “no” and then do what we say we’re gonna do! That should be enough.
- Wait a beat. Give yourself time and space when making a decision. Don’t let your mouth get out ahead of your brain. Pray about it! Think about it. Once you feel you can make a decision that all your faculties agree on, then say yes or no.
- Remember you’re human. I very rarely go back on my word. But sometimes, I do! And man, I beat myself up about it. But when those times happen, I ask forgiveness from the person I’ve slighted. I try to make it up to them and finally, I give myself a break!
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There will be limitless opportunities for you to practice consistency and show integrity with your words and actions as you mentor someone. I hope you will make it a priority for your words to matter and that you will set a good example for this with your mentee. Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that every word that goes forth from God’s mouth does not return to him void. God does not make empty promises! If he has given you a word on something, you can trust him to make good on it. We can stand on God’s word. After all, his word is his bond!
Let’s stand on that. Let’s rest in that. Let’s reflect that by practicing consistency between what we do and say. Let’s model that for our mentee. Are you sure? Yes, I am.
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