New Year’s resolutions tend to frustrate me. I write them down then seem to bail on them on a very consistent basis. Perhaps this is due to my personality type or maybe I’m just not a diligent guy. I’m not sure which is true if either of these things are my problem. Looking back on my many New Year’s resolutions I see one consistent trait… for the most part, they are simply expectations God has for each of us that I am inconsistent with.
I’ve learned this, if I choose to live my life on a daily basis to bring glory to God and I set aside my worldly desires, new years resolutions are, for the most part, unnecessary. I don’t find myself needing to start a diet because I’ve set gluttony aside. I treat my wife the way she deserves to be treated because I treat her as I believe Christ would treat her. I become a more effective witness because that is the heart of Christ. I give more of myself to those in my small group. I am missional because being missional is something that is natural to those who have as their goal to make Jesus’ light shine brighter than their own. I think you get my point.
I think my New Year’s resolution will be the lyric to a hymn that we sang many, many times in the churches my dad pastored. The lyric is profound and potent. The title of this classic… I Am Resolved.
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 to go to the Saviour, Leaving my sin and strife; He is the true One, He is the just One, He hath the words of life.
I am resolved to follow the Saviour, Faithful and true each day; Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth, He is the living way.
I am resolved to enter the Kingdom, Leaving the paths of sin; Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me, Still will I enter in.