It is that time of year when most new year resolutions fall away. We give up on our new way of eating or excersise commitments. Successful resolutions seem unattainable if you listen to the media. Many tout that it is not worth even setting out to make changes.
What we seem to miss is that scripture calls us to make changes, to make resolutions. We are told to continually renew our minds, treat our bodies as temples, and in 1 Timothy it says, “No spiritual flabbiness, please” (MSG).
13-16 So roll up your sleeves, get your head in the game, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.” 17 You call out to God for help and he helps—he’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, he’s also a responsible Father, and won’t let you get by with sloppy living. 18Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. (1 Peter 1:13-18 MSG)
We are called to continual self improvement to be able to do what God is calling us to not our own happiness. That is something that I easily lose sight of as the world encourages. This year I have taken to wearing my resolutions as a continual reminder that the true purpose in self improvement is to give back. It reminds me that it is all for God’s purposes and not mine. My life is a journey that must be traveled with deep consciousness of God to have successful resolutions. No sloppy living.
Do you have successful resolutions? What keeps you on track? Share your story here and breathe life and. Bring hope to others.