January boasts the highest gym enrollment compared to every other month. It seems that the new year ushers in a intrinsic need for change inside of us. Why? We want to be a better us. We want this year to be better than last year, even if our last year was extraordinary. The truth is that any change that could make a difference in our lives evolves not over a fortnight, but over a span much longer than that.
Not surprisingly, gym membership drastically drops in February. The excuses are many: the results negligible. A few of those people stay of, but the vast majority have failed on their resolutions yet again. So what is the point of making a resolution that we aren't even sure we can keep? Why make one in the first place?
I would say that resolutions are in themselves a good thing. Most often, the desire is beneficial to ourselves. We want to develop better habits and ensure for ourselves a better life. The trouble is we aren't willing to work for them. If we want to change our life, we must first get down in the trenches and fight for that change daily. Some of our hopes might be beyond us, and we might fail at achieving our goals. But how will we know without seriously attempting to succeed?
The truth is that a new year brings new unforeseen obstacles into our lives. For me I have my final semester of high school before me - and then college. Maybe it's a new job for you. Maybe it's the first year without someone. Maybe it's the first year with a new responsibility. The point is that we don't know what the new year holds in store for us. Without omnipotence, are ultimate success may in fact be beyond us.
Say our goals did align with our walks of life for this year. For instance;
I myself want to further develop my leadership and mentoring abilities as well as continue in God's transforming works in Faithbridge's student ministry. Personally, I want to develop a greater understanding of who God is. I want to be able to develop a Christ centered focus towards my life. Many of these goals are not concrete objectives, but rather ideas which I will strive for.
Resolutions only go so far. Made with human wisdom - they are certainly not infallible. The Good News is that we aren't needed to fulfill our own purposes. Jesus Christ has come so that He can take our lives and transform them into his workmanship. Our goals wither underfoot of God's perfect plan. He knows the course our life is going to take this year, so all we have to do is get on board and live in faith. God doesn't call us to do the expected. Quite often God's call brings us to new, often scary places. The beauty of it all is that through his providence we are strengthened more than we could have ever hoped for. When we humbly come and ask to be a part of His family, admitting our need for Him, he answers instantly.
In 2010 feel free to make resolutions, hopefully ones you will seek whole-heartedly to fulfill, but make the bigger decision tonight as well. We won't know where it will lead us or who we will be by the time the year is over. We can't even guarantee we know what we're getting ourselves into. I urge you to make haste on this day and resolve to live this next year of your life alive.
Jesus Christ, the Lord Almighty, is the only true source of life. No resolution you make can give you the fulfillment you can receive through Him tonight. Give your body as it says in Romans 12:1 as a living sacrifice. Christ doesn't call us to understanding but to obedience. His plan is what is truly best for us. Resolve to make Him the focus of your life, and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
a bondservant and slave to Jesus Christ
-matt
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