Long ago I was a professional photographer. I’m not saying I was a good photographer, just that I was a professional. Someone was crazy enough to give me a paycheck to shoot pictures. I was only 19 and still learning a lot about life, like reliability. My assignment: Photograph an event at a major hotel. Only problem — I couldn’t find the client. It was a big hotel, and I only had my contact’s first name. In the days before cell phones I had no way of calling them.

Embarrassing confession time: I didn’t know what to do.

I couldn’t just stand awkwardly in the lobby. I had to do something. So I decided to stow my gear and explore the hotel. I had just finished counting each step in the 15 flights of stairs when I bumped into the studio owner rushing in to salvage the job. What else could I do? I was bored!

PROBLEM SOLVING DYSFUNCTIONS

My irresponsibility was staggering. My assignment wasn’t working for me, so I unilaterally “cancelled” my picture taking contract and opted to wander around. A psych class might have a lively discussion about my personality dysfunctions and problem solving deficiencies, but I’m most bothered by my lack of integrity. I was glib — at least until the studio owner confronted me — about a major character flaw. 

Faithfulness, reliability, integrity. These are foundational heart issues. And, while my story is comically absurd, more subtle versions of the same failing are abundant. Recently I observed a planning session for an important event. The group had committed to a date and time when, at the last minute, someone backed out because it was inconvenient. From my vantage point, the event was a moral obligation, and the timing had been specifically adjusted for this person, but now it felt hard and they bailed.

More troubling still, another group member responded, “You have to do what’s right for you.” And with that, the issue was settled. Commitments and obligations were one thing, but personal choice was king. Preference trumped responsibility — no, worse — became morally obligatory. Others in the group were unhappy, but once the magic words, “You have to do what’s right for you,” were uttered, it was game over. Costly responsibilities weren’t responsibilities after all. Deal with it.

THE STRUGGLE OF KEEPING COMMITMENTS 

A lot of people struggle with making and keeping commitments — just ask anyone who’s ever planned an event if RSVPs mean anything. Sometimes commitments have to be broken, but the cavalier attitude that shows up in so many settings should trouble us. Jesus made a big deal about things like being faithful in small things and following through even when it’s hard. It’s easy for us to jump into exciting things with both feet, but most of life is low on the adrenaline meter. Finishing well is not too difficult in fast-paced and fun endeavors, but life more often tilts toward monotony. Yet it is often in the uninspired routines of life where character is best displayed. In a world awash in preference and intoxicated with autonomy, the followers of a crucified Messiah ought to stand out for their conspicuous faithfulness and follow through, even when things are hard, or worse, routine.

P.S. A decade after the photography debacle, a respected friend complimented me by saying, “If I ever wanted something done, I’d give it to you.”  At the time that struck me as shallow and unspiritual. Looking back, I’m not so sure. Maybe he was really seeing the transforming grace of God. One can always hope.