I’ll Try

I’ll Try

NBA champion coach and executive Pat Riley once said, “There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either in or you’re out. There is no such thing as life in-between.” I think Riley is spot on with his assessment, and though we tend to agree with him, we often live our lives in the “I’ll Try Zone.” When we tell someone, “I’ll try,” we are actually saying, “I am not willing to commit.”

How often do you respond with the words, “I’ll try”? In other words, how often do you reply with a noncommittal response? Saying, “I’ll try,” actually communicates, “Don’t count on me.” It is better if we simply respond with a yes or a no. People who respond with a yes tend to find a way to get it done. People who reply with a no are at least being honest and can be respected. But those who say, “I’ll try,” and then back out at the last minute come across as flaky and unreliable.

When both our attitudes and words aren’t established with yes and no, it weakens our homes, communities, and country. In your marriage, you are either in or out. At work, you are either in or out. With fitness, diet, and self-control, you are either in or out.

When Jesus was teaching on making vows, he said, “Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37). In what areas have you been noncommittal? Remember, as Riley said, “There is no such thing as life in-between.”

Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one.

Matthew 5:37