I was never great at making New Year's resolutions. I used to feel bad about this. I can remember I would get back to school, usually on January 5 or 6, like this year. One of my friends would list off the 50 ways they were going to better themselves and the world that year. Then they would ask me about my resolutions. (Gulp...) Well, I plan to make some resolutions next year. But each year I'd forget.
As I got older I would make some lame resolution about exercising and then feel bad as I heard others who had given much more thought to their resolutions. This is also true when it comes to giving things up for Lent. We'll be a week into that season before I realize I haven't even thought about what I could give up.
Like I said, I used to feel bad about this. I no longer do. It's not because I've gotten very good at making or keeping resolutions. I haven't. Here's what I've learned.
1. Most of the people who made resolutions only made it halfway through February. A resolution is only as good as the person who makes it.
2. If January 1 is the only time we're thinking about resolutions and making positive changes in our life, then it's not often enough.
3. For me, resolutions are something that can and do start on any day and last for as long as it takes.
With all of that in mind, I'll tell you my resolution. It's been my resolution for several years now and I remind myself daily of this charge I have. And it's not original with me. You'll find these words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:2. "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."
I don't know what you think of resolutions. Maybe you make several every year. Maybe you've never made one. Whatever side you fall on, be sure to keep your focus on God and what he wants for your life. That's a resolution that will result in each of us having a happy year.
As I got older I would make some lame resolution about exercising and then feel bad as I heard others who had given much more thought to their resolutions. This is also true when it comes to giving things up for Lent. We'll be a week into that season before I realize I haven't even thought about what I could give up.
Like I said, I used to feel bad about this. I no longer do. It's not because I've gotten very good at making or keeping resolutions. I haven't. Here's what I've learned.
1. Most of the people who made resolutions only made it halfway through February. A resolution is only as good as the person who makes it.
2. If January 1 is the only time we're thinking about resolutions and making positive changes in our life, then it's not often enough.
3. For me, resolutions are something that can and do start on any day and last for as long as it takes.
With all of that in mind, I'll tell you my resolution. It's been my resolution for several years now and I remind myself daily of this charge I have. And it's not original with me. You'll find these words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:2. "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."
I don't know what you think of resolutions. Maybe you make several every year. Maybe you've never made one. Whatever side you fall on, be sure to keep your focus on God and what he wants for your life. That's a resolution that will result in each of us having a happy year.
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