Cliff Jumping

When Spanish Conquistador Hernando Cortez landed in Mexico, one of his first orders to his men was to burn the ships. Cortez was committed to his mission and did not want to allow himself or his men the option of going back to Spain. By removing this option, Cortez and his men were forced to focus on how they could make the mission successful.

Talk about commitment! I love to think of this idea as Cliff Jumping. When you jump off a cliff, your decision is absolute; you have no choice but to move forward. You've signed up, sold out, and eliminated all possibility of retreat!

This is a concept I’ve struggled with in my Faith. To be honest with you, I was afraid to become a Christian. I knew my friends would mock me. I knew it would ruffle feathers in my family. It involved personal sacrifice. And sadly, I allowed these fears to influence my decision for Christ. As such, when I finally did say “YES” to the Lord, I kept my identity and actions private. I did not fully commit; I trusted in myself, rather than God.

In my mind, I was a Christian, but my actions reflected little change. Remaining at the cliff’s edge enabled options for retreat, which were especially tempting when challenges or difficulties arose. Without true commitment, I had the luxury of waiting, seeking other paths, and reverting to old ways. As time passed, I was still standing in the same spot realizing I was just living a lie, making excuses. I was not growing, I was not contributing, and I certainly wasn’t setting the right example. It’s as if I said “YES” to a new job, but never showed up to work, therefore never reaping the returns or the pay check.

As frustration built, I turned around, mustered up the courage and jumped.

The fall was liberating and as I landed, I felt strengthened. I finally lived up to my commitment. It wasn't the decision that changed me, but the path I walked after the decision. It forced me into the right actions. The details of this example could take up a book, but I digress.

So let’s talk about you. Where are you challenged? What is your cliff?

Maybe it’s your Faith? Your career? Your health? Your relationships? Have you been trying to commit to something, but continually procrastinate? Take an honest look at yourself.

Commitments show up through action. Here are a few bullet items that may help you get started:

• What one area is of highest priority? (Start here)
  
• What do your results look like?
• How are you spending your time?
• Do you need to let something go?
• What are the risks?
• Do you require a plan?
• What small action can you start with today?
  

It’s true that all commitments are different. Some may involve large financial risk; others geographical change. It’s wise to measure these risks accordingly and ensure a plan is in place before taking the plunge. Note too that we’re never going to be perfect; but can always improve. And commitment is the best way to ensure you're moving in the right direction.

In the end my friends, it boils down to this: A simple decision. A decision similar to Hernando Cortez. A decision similar to what Indiana Jones demonstrates in the video below. What will you decide? Will you take the leap too?