A new year, new resolutions. I think I’ve read about a dozen blog entries about goals and resolutions this past week. And though I’m making new year’s goals with the best of them, there’s this thought in my soul that I can’t get past.
Why are we all obsessed with resolutions?
What does it mean to “resolve” something?
Dictionary.com says it’s “to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine to do something.”
We sure are flippant with our resolutions if making them means being definite and earnest. I think we approach them more like wishes, honestly. We all want so badly to be the best we can be and the idea of a fresh start in the new year appeals to our hungry hearts.
Years ago I read a list of resolutions a preacher named Jonathan Edwards wrote and my thinking changed. He wrote deep goals for himself such as,
- Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
- Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
- Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
- Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.
I began prayerfully listing spiritual and practical goals for myself every few months – something I still do today. As I grow, I’m learning that the goal of goals is progress, not perfection. And resolutions give us the courage to boldly move forward through the challenges of the self-discipline required to achieve those goals.
As we think through our goals for 2015, let’s bring them to the foot of the cross of Christ. We can’t change our own hearts through any amount of determination – change can really only come through the work of God’s grace.
And above every other resolution, let’s seek to know God more. In the end, that’s all that matters.
