Research tells us that 80% of New Year’s resolutions are given up by Valentine’s Day. My guess is we are not surprised by this figure. The most frequently heard resolutions seem to be about giving up a bad habit, paying attention to our weight and health, and improving some part of our physical or emotional well-being. All good things to do.
As we continue to unfold our mission to Grow as Disciples and Grow Disciples, what might our Christian resolutions look like this year? The following could be some we might consider…
▪ Pray. Ask for direction often. Is there something God is asking you to do? Seek strength and guidance for the ability to go where God wants you to go. Not sure about the answer? The will of God is not always explicit. Be persistent. If prayer is your last resort, try to make it your first.
▪ Trust. Know that you are not alone, that the Holy Spirit resides within you always, offering you courage and guidance. Call on assistance from the Spirit and believe it will come. Believe in the unexpected.
▪ Avoid discouragement. If you fail at something, do not become discouraged, but instead, seek to learn from mistakes and failures. They are often our greatest teachers.
▪ Serve those in need. Be the face and hands of Christ to those around you. Let approval for your deeds come from Christ and not from public acclaim.
▪ Seek the lost. Look for ways to welcome and invite others into faith. Let your own life be an example of what it means to be a disciple of Christ by the way you live. Be humble enough to realize that sometimes you are “the lost.” Let others be Christ for you.
▪ Be Merciful. Forgive those who have wronged you. Reconcile with those who have hurt you. Accept that it will not be easy to do. Do it anyway.
▪ Promote Peace. Look for ways to alleviate dissension. Listen more, speak less, love always, and remember…
“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” ~Paulo Coelho
May the love of Christ, the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, and the power of God be with you always in the year ahead and in all your years!