So it’s that time again. The time when we make resolutions: we resolve to do something we have not done before (or at least not recently or well). And yet I myself am curious and wary about these resolutions. Why do we want to do certain things now? Why haven’t we been doing them before? And above all: what does God have to say about these areas of our lives we are resolving to change?
Scripture reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain who build. So are we attempting things apart from the Holy Spirit of God? Furthermore are we actually doing the things that God wants done or are we merely asking for God’s blessing and seal of approval on something we want done?
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t thing resolutions are a bad thing. But much of the time they do seem misplaced and many times they go completely unfulfilled because of impure motives, lack of discipline, arrogance regarding our own ability, and so on and so forth.
But what if we made this one resolution this year: what if we resolved to do nothing until we had waited at the feet of Jesus for His Spirit, His direction, His will, His revelation, His wisdom and His power? What if we resolved (settled once for all) that our whole life would center around Him and by grace (and the faith that comes by grace) we would refuse to live any other way?!
In the next 6 to 12 weeks many of us will start and stop many things that we have “resolved” to do. Most of the things we will attempt without God and next January we will yet again be filled with much guilt and regret over things poorly done or neglected altogether. But if we decide now that we will always and only do what Jesus directs us to do, then perhaps one year from now we will find ourselves that much closer to God, more filled with His Spirit, more overflowing with His fruit and more fulfilled in our life and calling than ever before!
I resolve: as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
Pastor Michael Johnson 