Most people of faith want to help their communities in any way they can. However, there is a difference between recognizing that something is a good thing to do and knowing without a doubt that you are the right person to do it. Before you say yes to a new commitment, ask yourself the following questions. 

Have You Given the Decision the Necessary Amount of Attention?

Some people make it a habit to pause before making a decision. Others want to jump right in to give an answer as quickly as possible. If you belong to the latter group, you may do well to learn the benefits of delaying a response long enough to give the decision its proper weight. 

Asking the person who gives you an opportunity to serve for a chance to think about it may be difficult, but it can also be a fruitful learning experience. There are several methods you can use to ponder what your answer should be:

• Prayer
• Meditation
• Pro/con lists
• Seeking trusted counsel

A little soul-searching gives you some breathing room by temporarily removing you from the pressure to say yes. When you take the time to give your decision the right amount of attention, you are likely to be more confident in whatever answer you reach.

What Intentions Would Saying Yes Satisfy?

It's always important to examine the motivations behind your behavior. This is how you build not only self-awareness but also healthy boundaries. Does the opportunity match your passion or one of your core values? Are you operating out of joyful abundance or out of the fear that if you don't do it then no one will? Would you be saying yes to gain recognition or because you truly believe you are called to help?

Wanting to help when there is a clear need is noble. If being helpful is your only motivation for saying yes, though, it's probably not a strong enough reason to do so. Unless you have more specific intentions for the task at hand, it's probably best to leave it for someone who does.

Is There Someone Better Suited for the Work?

Don't mistake value for initiative. Just because you acknowledge that a task is worthwhile, that doesn't automatically mean it's yours. This may seem like a simple truth, but it can be difficult to adhere to when you are asked to do something you excel at. 

For example, you may be a strong leader with a lot of experience working with children. Before you say yes to being the director of the children's program at church, though, ask yourself if you gained that experience because you really love working with this specific population or simply because that was the only leadership opportunity offered to you in other congregations. If what you've done before is the driving force behind your acceptance of the responsibility, consider that others who may have more zeal for teaching kids may be a better fit, even if they don't have as much experience.

How Would You Ultimately Feel About Saying Yes?

If you have given the decision careful consideration and are still unsure, that probably tells you all you need to know. Trust your gut, particularly if saying yes would result in a long-term commitment. Imagine yourself in the role. If you feel more anxious than excited, it's probably best to turn it down. On the other hand, if the thought of missing out on it upsets you, then it may be a great way for you to serve.

Being asked to take on a responsibility, particularly if it is a leadership role, is not a decision to be taken lightly. Take the time to give it the thought and prayer it warrants so that you can enter into your next commitment cheerfully and enthusiastically.