I have never been a fan of making New Year’s resolutions. There are two primary reasons for this. First, seldom are those resolutions kept until the first of February. Second, the resolutions made always deal with things people should be doing anyway. Usually, they concern issues such as living healthier lifestyles, committing to deeper spiritual pursuits, or spending more time with family. While these are certainly admirable goals, it seems that resolutions such as these only attempt to address symptoms stemming from a more profound problem.
If each of us were to step back and look at our lives and do an honest evaluation, I am sure we would find things we are disappointed with. Each of us could point out things we either need to stop doing or at least get under control. We would find things we have been neglecting to do and should have done sooner. If we wrote these all down, our list would probably get pretty long, and possibly even overwhelming, in no time at all. So, is the answer to try and pick these things off one-by-one in our resolution shooting gallery? I would say no.
Let’s look at a more general but immensely effective approach to making a New Year’s resolution. Here are a few lines from a song titled "I Am Resolved" which was written in 1896 by Palmer Hartsough and James Fillmore:
I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.
I am resolved, and who will go with me?
Come, friends, without delay,
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
We’ll walk the heav’nly way.
Is it possible that the answer to overcoming the disappointing attitudes, habits, and behaviors in our lives is as simple as resolving to pursue the “heav’nly way”? Look at the following verses of Scripture from the ESV:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.
Colossians 3:1-2
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Without question, trusting, acknowledging, and seeking God should be our first priority. Did you notice that these verses present this endeavor as a volitional choice we must make? In other words, we must “resolve” to do it! God has put the ball in our court.
Through surrendering to the lordship of Christ and to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we would supernaturally receive the power to resist temptation and to break old habit patterns? We would receive the motivation and self-discipline we need to develop a closer and deeper walk with God? We would receive the desire and ability to take control of our schedules and to fulfill our family responsibilities? Trust me, resolving to do these things individually and in your own strength would only lead to more disappointment and failure.
Let me close by encouraging you, even if you have no plans of making a resolution this January 1st, to make the pursuit of God your priority this year. This will be the only resolution you should ever need to make. See what a difference it will make in every aspect of your life!
Wednesday, December 31
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