Encouragement

---

With the arriving of the New Year, the resolution bandwagon will once again roll into the mind of the individual as he considers what promises he will make to himself. The broken promises of yesteryear lie under the carnage of misdirected affections and undisciplined actions. 2014 hopefully becomes the eraser of the mistakes of 2013. With the past behind, the resolution of new beginnings and aspirations will take center stage. It is amazing how similar the new wave of goals is to last year’s resolves. The promises to exercise more, eat healthier, watch less TV, lose weight, as well as other similitude are pledged with great sincerity. If we are bold enough, we will venture into the spiritual realm by promising to spend more time reading the Word and praying as well as striving to attend more activities in our church. The intent of the mind is right, but figuring out how to fulfill those goals is another thing. As we sprint into the New Year, there is excitement in the air. Our goals of compliance are there for the taking. But by the middle of January, our predetermined goals seem to be getting further and further away from reality. To some people, the failed goals of the previous year come back to their minds with a vengeance. Self issued guilt takes stage right, while depression takes stage left. Due to New Year Resolutions, we have become a three ring circus. Resolutions are just another way to point to past failures. It has been said that only 8% of recited goals will be achieved. Yet even with those odds, many still attempt to make them.

Looking at this from a Christian perspective, we see many promises made to God fall short of completion. Our intent was commendable but our lack of discipline and commitment would open the door to Satan’s attacks. When TV snuffs out quality time in the Word, Satan will help us justify our lack of adherence due to circumstances. We must realize that the only thing in life that we can do anything about is our immediate situation. Jesus, in His teachings, made it clear that we are not to be preoccupied with tomorrow, rather center on the here and now. (Matt. 6:34) Instead of promising to do something down the road, do it now! Instead of vowing to read through the Bible next year, start with Genesis 1 today. Instead of pledging to get up everyday at 6:00 am to pray, start doing it today; for you do not know what tomorrow holds. (James 4:14) Instead of saying you are going to fast every Thursday, start with the day that you occupy. The reason so many goals fail to be achieved is we are looking at days that do not belong to us. As you get up in the morning simply say, “…if the Lord will, we shall live and do this, or that.” (James 4:15)

Don’t fall for the trap of promising something over which you may have no control. Instead of trying to impress God with your spiritual New Year Resolutions, just serve Him right now and continue to take one step at a time toward your finish line that could appear at any time.

Have a great and wonderful New Year………ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE AS A MEMBER OR VISITOR