EDITORIAL: When Commitment Becomes Selective

I’ve been part of organizations long enough to see different kinds of people. There are dedicated ones who give their time and heart, and the others who only show up when it benefits them. It’s disheartening, but true. Some members choose only the activities that make them look good, the ones that seem “sosyal,” or where they can be seen and praised. But when the organization faces struggles, when the work gets heavy and no one is watching, they disappear.

What hurts most is not their absence, but the pretension that comes before it. The smiles, the selfies, the loud promises of support that fade the moment reality demands effort. They choose moments that make them “fragrant,” but never the ones that require sacrifice.

I’ve learned that being part of an organization is more than just wearing its name. It’s about being there. Like really being there in both triumphs and trials. It’s about carrying the mission even when no one claps for you, even when things get hard, messy, or unnoticed.

Selective commitment kills the spirit of true service. It discourages those who give their all and poisons the trust that binds the group together. And when that happens, the impact spreads. It affects the community, the projects, and even the friendships within.

To those who stay only for the name and not for the cause, remember that an organization’s true beauty is not measured by how it looks on the outside, but by how its people care for one another when no one else is watching.

May this serve as a reminder that every group thrives when its members choose purpose over pride, service over self-promotion, and sincerity over show. Because in the end, true belonging means standing with your organization not just in triumph, but also in trials.

An organization should never be a stage for self-promotion. It should be a space for genuine purpose, unity, and growth. So to those who choose when to care, I hope one day you realize that true fulfillment doesn’t come from being seen; it comes from showing up, even when it’s inconvenient, even when no one says “thank you.”

Because in the end, it’s not about the title, the photo, or the applause.

It’s about the heart that stays. The kind that serves sincerely.

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EDITORIAL: When Commitment Becomes Selective

An Editorial by: Jerry Shangyin

(FTS LOBO-Chairman of the Board of Directors)

Note: This article reflects the author’s own thoughts and interpretations, shaped by personal perspective and experience. It is written with the intention of offering insight, inviting reflection, and opening space for meaningful conversation with readers. While it carries the author’s voice, it also welcomes diverse viewpoints that enrich the dialogue.

📸 Photo Credits: All images used in this article belong to their rightful owners. No copyright infringement intended. Credits to the original artists and creators.

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