Resolutions

There is something about the end of one year, and the beginning of the next that causes most people to take a look at their lives, and assess their progress and struggles in various areas.  The start of a new year gives the opportunity for a “fresh start” in areas in which we have previously failed.  It serves as a tangible marker for goals achieved or forgotten.  Although I join in this assessment, I have never been one for making “New Year’s Resolutions.”  It is not because I think that there is something wrong with making Resolutions for a new year, it is just that I have always figured that if changes need to be made in my life, then they need to be made now.  Why wait to start regularly reading your Bible, exercising, getting organized, eating healthier, reading more, watching less TV – whatever it may be – until January first?

In college I read something that changed my mind about what resolutions should look like: The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards.  If you have never read these 70 statements, I would strongly recommend it!  They will be well worth the time spent!  I like to read through them from time to time throughout the year, but especially at the beginning of each year.  It always helps me to gain perspective at a time of year when words like resolve, determination, and commitment are commonly used, but rarely achieved.  Earlier this year, Scott Zeller posted a great idea about reading and meditating on a few of these Resolutions each evening before bed.  Others have suggested, as Edwards himself did, reading through the list once a week.

Every year, it seems that as December draws to an end we talk passionately about our goals and resolutions, but by mid-February, we have already given up on most, if not all, of them.  Resolve indicates a “firmness of purpose or intent,” or a “definite or earnest decision.”  I have nothing against making New Year’s Resolutions, or setting goals.  I think it is a good thing to assess habits, lifestyles, and goals, and then make the necessary changes or adjustments.  But, too often we try to accomplish these changes in our own strength, for our own selfish purposes – thus explaining our sad track record of failed resolutions. 

Edwards starts out his Resolutions this way:

“Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.”

This year, as we make our own goals and resolutions for next year, follow the example of this godly man.  Set your goals, desires, and hopes for this coming year before our Heavenly Father, and seek His enabling grace and strength to accomplish all that you have resolved to do – “so far as they are agreeable to His will.”