Resolutions Part 2: Application

Happy Thursday all!

On Monday, we talked about New Year's Resolutions. We defined Resolutions and even touched a bit on how they fit into our Walk with God. Today I want us to dive deeper into the idea of making Resolutions a part of our relationship with our Creator: why they're a good idea and tools to help us put them into action.

Like I said in my last post, Believers are called to become more like Christ everyday. This really boils down to making a choice: to glorify God or indulge self. Every time we make a choice with the purpose of bringing glory to our Father, we take another step towards being like Christ. Every time we make a choice to gratify ourselves, we miss out on the blessing of a righteous life. 

In Romans 6, Paul compares life under sin's rule and life under God's rule. He calls on us (the readers) to remember what it was like when we cared only about ourselves and what we wanted to do. He reminds us that "the more you did just what you felt like doing - not caring about others, not caring about God - the worse your life became and the less freedom you had" (v. 19; MSG). Conversely when we discovered what it was like to listen to God and to put His Truth into practice, we experienced a "whole, healed, put-together life" (v. 22; MSG).

While our point of initial salvation freed us from the tyranny and punishment (eternal life in hell) of sin, we can still make choices that enslave us again. Paul writes, "So, since we’re out from under the old tyranny, does that mean we can live any old way we want? Since we’re free in the freedom of God, can we do anything that comes to mind? Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom" (Rom. 6:15-16; MSG). He encourages us not to use the freedom we've gained in Christ for the purpose of sinning, but rather to accomplish that which is pleasing to our Creator (Gal. 5:13). I think all of this shows how Resolutions - determined and firm purposes - can help to enhance our daily Walk. If we make the decision to rely on God's strength to make the right choices in our everyday life, we will begin to look more like Christ and less like the world. This is why biblically-based Resolutions are a fantastic idea!

Now how do we stick this out and avoid giving up in "the first day of the second month?" (Yes, I just quoted myself.) I think the first really good thing you can do is WRITE IT OUT. As you prayerfully consider what things God might want to change in you, write them down. I haven't yet made an actual list on paper (though I talk to God about them pretty regularly) but it's not a bad idea. Write them down and then put them somewhere you'll see them everyday (I think I might take my own advice...)

After you've written them down, it might be a good idea to share them with someone close to you who can support you, encourage you and keep you accountable (yes, that might hurt sometimes but it's good). I informally shared mine with my mom and my sister. I even made mention of them to a close friend (that's three people who now have the right to get on my case). I'll even share them with you, so you can see kinda where I'm hoping this year will lead...

1. Spend time with God and in His Word every morning. I desire to have a greater intimacy with my Creator by the end of the year than I do now. The best way to do that? Talking with Him, listening to Him and making Him my safe place. (Ps. 91; I John 2:15)
2. Love God and others like Christ would. I became very aware of how selfish my love for my Father and those around me has been. It's often determined by what's convenient for me. I know this is not a healthy or godly way to live, so I'm seeking to change it. (I Jn. 2:6; 3:11, 16, 18, 23)
3. Make better choices regarding food and movement (we're ignoring the word "exercise"). I honestly do not live a very healthy lifestyle. I struggle everyday with the drive to eat however much I want of whatever I want whenever I want it. I realized that this is abusing the body God gave me and it really affects how I feel (both physically and emotionally). I want to live a better life which means making better choices. (I Cor. 6:19-20)

It's a really, really great idea to open up and share these because, at the least, it makes you more conscious of when you aren't sticking to your resolutions (I'll talk a bit more about this in a second).

After you've written them down and shared them, BACK IT UP. Search Scripture for passages that reinforce the changes you want to make and the lessons you want to learn. I'm serious - it goes a long way to help you glorify God through those changes. Memorize those verses or at least put them in a visible place. Meditate on them daily and pray them out.

Now guys, I want you to be aware of something: You are human. You are not perfect. You will fail. I've already failed and it's only been 8 days! But you want to know what I'm learning? I'm learning that it's better to take the hand of Grace and ask God to pick you up, dust you off and help you start over. When those times come and you feel so discouraged and ready to give up, I want you to pray two Scripture verses:

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 NIV

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9 NIV; emphasis mine

God has been using these to teach me the power of His grace, the fact that His grace beats sin every time and He can give me a fresh start every day. Pray for the grace and strength to make good choices one day at a time. 

So what are your resolutions? Feel free to comment and I'll see you around. Until then,

Prayers and love!