Resolutions

Some folks plan to remodel their lives every December 31st. All that's wrong will be made right, all that's bad will, in a few short days, become good.

I don't object to New Year's Resolutions, but most are not resolutions at all. They are wishes and cravings; things desired, but not required. If we can acquire them without too much personal effort, we will embrace them and rejoice. But if the pursuit turns into work, we'll let them go, content with what we have. Until next December 31 when we'll start the process all over.

This year I've resolved to read the Bible through again. I laid out my plan and I'm off and running. (Waddling is more like it.) And wouldn't you know it? Right at the start, the very first verse, I got a lesson on resolutions.

"In the beginning God" is how the Bible begins. May everything that we resolve to do originate with God. Earning more money, starting a new career, becoming a better father - all of these are are splendid decisions, but unless the motivation comes from God's Word and call, next December will find us, perhaps with a new job and more money, but, still dissatisfied.

At the beginning of creation, the earth was a lifeless and shapeless mass. But when God spoke, His Word brought light, form, and purpose. The potential had always existed, but it took the spirit and word of God to give it life.

Those resolutions that spring from the principles of God's word and are molded in a soul full of God's spirit have the potential to expand far beyond the resolver's initial intent. "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," (Ephesians 3:20).

It important to have God at the beginning and in the middle of all that we do.

But what about the end?

I haven't finished reading the Bible through this year, but I cheated and skipped to the back. Remember what it says? "Surely I come quickly" (Revelation 22:20).

If we resolve to keep Him at the beginning of every decision and allow His spirit and word to shape and define our lives, we will not be caught by surprise at His quick return.

If we keep Him at the beginning and in the middle, He will take care of the ending.

He said He would keep that which was committed to Him (2 Timothy 1:12). And He keeps His resolutions.


©2007 Doug Ellingsworth