I know: there are times when breaking appointments and getting out of commitments is necessary — but be very careful, my friend, that you make these times the exception and not the rule of your life. Do not let yourself be characterized as a frivolous, unreliable person; you won’t like the fruit of being known for that. However, if you do have to be released from an agreement, here are some important tips that will show the other person(s) that you are responsible:
- Make sure you have a credible excuse: a real emergency, conflict of ethics or morality, unavoidable interruption of funds or physical participation, etc. Don’t back out simply because you get lazy, nervous, or indifferent. Unless you have good reason, keep your agreements out of respect for the other person(s). Give respect, get respect.
- As soon as possible, contact the person(s) with whom you must cancel. Desperately avoid last minute notification.
- Apologize with sincere humility, place all blame on you, and ask them to release you. Though you must back out, asking shows that you respect the original agreement; and most people will be reasonable enough to forgive you.
- If your cancellation requires reimbursement of any kind (monetary, assistance, etc.), offer amends immediately and without any hesitation — you are, in fact, indebted by your own word.
No matter how casual the promise or engagement, people depend on what you say; so take my advice and work hard at doing what you have agreed to do. You will win trust and a good reputation, both of which are very important for testifying of Christ and His Kingdom.
