Alright, let’s talk resolutions. History points to the origins of New Year’s resolutions dating all the way back to the Babylonians. Do you make them? I used to. Every year, they’d be very much the same. I’d resolve to eat better, exercise more, manage finances better, etc. In some years, I’d do better than others, but inevitably, I’d forget all about them as the year progressed. I believe the reason for my failings lay in the fact that these were just hopes and dreams without any real conviction or plan. The milestone of a new year was not enough motivation for real change. My willpower alone will often falter.
When following Christ becomes the absolute desire of our hearts, we can surrender our goals and dreams to His lordship. There’s no need for a calendar to remind us to bring change; the unction of the Holy Spirit is far better. As we commune daily with Him, He directs us and empowers us to achieve our goals. Are we willing to be made willing by the power of God? Or will we allow our flesh to get in the way?
Let’s remember to invite the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct us into this new year. He will show us the areas He wants to work on in us, and it just might surprise us.