Proverbs 24:3-5

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength.”

New Year Resolutions or Commitments

Many of us each year have some things that we would like to be different or better in our lives. Therefore, we try to use the beginning of a year as a re-start button or an agent of momentum.

For example, some plan to read more or spend more time with family. Others may desire to go to church more or make God more of a priority in life. Let us not forget time-tested classic, getting in shape or losing weight. The list is endless and some are successful and other not.

Whatever it is for you, a resolution should be considered a commitment. To be resolved is to have made up or mind and to be committed to a thing. Just as Daniel while in captivity was resolved not to defile himself by eating what God said was unclean, we too should be that committed to our resolutions. After all, if the commitment is not there, then one is not really resolved now are they?

I want to point out just 2 things to focus on as the idea of being resolved. As we look at them, keep in mind this fact. If you continue to do the same thing you did in 2017, 2018 will be the same.

1 You are making a commitment to yourself.

You owe it to yourself to be honest with yourself. No one likes to be lied to so why would you lie to yourself. The only way changes are going to be made is if we are honest with ourselves. There is a reason that this resolution is on your heart. This desire to make the change or improve or stop something is there because you have a desire for things to be different. There is nothing left to do now but commit.

As we commit ourselves to these resolutions, we must keep in mind that without the commitment, (resolve) failure is inevitable. Not only will you fail yourself, but possibly even others who are close to you. This is why as a Christian I try to make all my commitments while asking the Lord for His strength and discipline.

2. As a Christian, you are not only making a commitment to yourself but also to God.

For those of us who are Christians, we need to understand that not only are we making these resolutions because we desire changes in our lives but we desire to honor God. We are not only making commitments to ourselves but also to God.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,” Colossians 3:23

It is often time commendable when a person commits to a task and then works hard to be successful. In doing so, they stay true to themselves and represent themselves well, but what about God? Where does God fit into all of this? The point is this. We can all work hard on the first point made here. We can stay true to ourselves and even be successful. We may even feel proud of ourselves for the success achieved from all the hard work and commitment. But what about God? Where does He fit in?

As Christians, our main goal is to glorify God with all things in our lives. When we make promises to ourselves and others, the World is watching to see if we follow through. It is not sinful to fail nor does it even dishonor God. We must keep in our hearts and minds how our commitment level affects our witness as Christians. If we are not honest with ourselves, the World will assume that we are not honest people period. This is why we should work at everything as if we are working for the Lord. After all, we are.

Let me finish by saying this. We are all but human beings. We have strengths and weaknesses and good days and bad. There is never a time that we do not need God involved in what we are doing. My advise this year would be to commit your works to God and ask for His strength and courage. He will be faithful.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3

be blessed

Archie L. Gilmer