Happy New Year!! For many, the beginning of a new year is a time to make “resolutions”. However, many reject the notion of making resolutions – because they are quickly forgotten and/or are never accomplished. But let’s examine what a resolution is – and what is necessary to carry it to completion. According to Webster, the word “resolution” [a noun] means, “Fixed purpose or determination of mind; as a resolution to reform our lives; a resolution to undertake an expedition.” The word “resolution” carries forth a definition much like the word “goal”. Webster defines “goal” [a noun] as, “The end or final purpose; the end to which a design tends, or which a person aims to reach or accomplish.” Notice that both words (resolution and goal) are “end results” – and not the means or action whereby they are to be accomplished. What is required to achieve the “resolution” or “goal” is the action or “resolve” to do so. Webster defines “resolve” [a verb] as, “To fix in opinion; to determine in mind.”
Many Christians make resolutions and goals at the beginning of each year – and fail to achieve them because they never set forth a “plan of action”. The Apostle Paul told Timothy of his goal or reward [that is, the end or final purpose] that he sought. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 states,
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
But notice that Paul stated he had “fought the good fight” – in order that he would “finish his course” [or goal]. In other passages of Scripture, Paul further defined his “course”. Philippians 3:13-14,
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-27,
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep [buffet] under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
Paul clearly understood that during his journey of serving the Lord, he had to constantly re-evaluate his progress – through prayer, study and meditation upon God’s Word, and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead him. And as well, he was reminded that he could not change yesterday; but he could always strive to do better today and tomorrow. For you see, this was his “resolve” and his action.
We, like Paul, should also set “goals” for our lives [keeping within the will of the Lord] and “strive” to accomplish them. Yes, along our journey we too will need to evaluate our progress – through prayer, study and meditation upon God’s Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us. During our “course”, we will make mistakes; but let us learn from them and not repeat them. In case you are wondering where to start – begin by setting your “goals” or “resolutions” [and write them down]. Then, chart your “course”; but make sure your “goals” are achievable! Our goals should be bound in the end result of Matthew 25:21,
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
Accomplishing our goals must then be enveloped in the following Scriptures: Luke 9:23,
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
Hebrews 12:1-2,
“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Is this your “New Year’s Resolution?”
