Resolution Responsibility

It's that time again, actually a little after that time, when well-meaning people make New Year's Resolutions.

"I'll only eat chocolate once a week."

"Caffeine only in the morning, and not more than two cups."

"I'm going to bed by nine o'clock every night."

"I will limit my TV watching to the news, Jeopardy, and one other show."

And for the really sanctified, "I'm going to read through the whole Bible this year."

Maybe yours is on the list, perhaps you chose some other area of life to focus on improving during 2006. Every one of these things is a good thing, your life will probably be better for having made and kept a resolution like one of these.

Which brings up something else, the keeping part of New Year's Resolutions. I get the feeling sometimes that people who make resolutions often don't take them seriously. Most people don't manage to keep them all year so that lets me off the hook if I give up or forget. Occasionally it seems like folks view resolutions like a contest - see who can make the hardest one, the one that will get the biggest "Wow", the one that will garner the most sympathy.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not against New Year's Resolutions. I think they can be a good thing. But I also remember the verse that says we need to be careful about making impulsive vows (Proverbs 20:25) and the one that says it's better not to make a vow at all than to make it and not keep it (Ecclesiastes 5:5).

So does that mean we ought to take the safe way out and not make New Year's Resolutions at all? No, I don't think so. But we should go about it in the right way. First, determine if the resolution you are contemplating will be pleasing to God. Is it Biblical? Is it important to God? Are you considering it for the right reasons - because it's the right thing to do?

Next, consider objectively if it is something reasonable, something that you can really accomplish with God's help. Resolving to get down to your high school graduation weight by the end of 2006 is not a reasonable resolution if it means reducing your body weight by half. Even if you could pull it off, it wouldn't be healthy. But don't give up on it altogether; instead, go for a healthy goal that you can achieve with help.

If after prayer and consideration you believe it is a proper and achievable resolution, GO FOR IT!! Be sure to set yourself up for success - ask God's help, get family and friends to help you and keep you accountable, and if you start to "backslide" repent and get back on track.

A wise resolution can be both honoring to God and good for your life.

By His Grace,
Sundoulos