I do not make New Year's resolutions and never have. I do not like them, in fact my abhorrence of resolutions stems from the reality that many people are utterly incapable of keeping them. They simply can't do it! – I mean, when was the last time you heard someone in December bragging about successfully making it to the gym four times a week for the entire year, or how they spent less and saved more, wrote that book, went back to school, or finished school, or devoted more time to family, consistently gave to charity, attended church regularly; or my favorite, dedicated more time to faithfully serving God? Rarely, if ever, because here’s the ugly truth: New Year’s resolutions may begin as the brilliant breakthrough that will take you to new personal heights, but they always mature into a nagging reminder of your failed aspirations.
I know some of you are saying, why is he so hard on New Year's and Resolutions? I will tell you why. I am all for having goals but I think people's New Year zeal blinds them to reality. Consider this, if you are someone who takes the elevator or escalator over the steps at work or the mall, why did you ever think you could suddenly go all Jillian Michaels ab-crunch multiple times a week? If you have not rid your fridge, cabinets and pantry of sweets, carbohydrates, and fatty foods, why do you think sudden you are going to start eating salads and drinking shakes everyday and stick with it all year long? If you only attend church or talk to God on the "big four": New Years, Mother's Day, Easter and Christmas, why would your habits suddenly change to go to service regularly on Saturday or Sunday, especially when your favorite teams are playing? I could go on, but I think you get the point!
What I am saying is, if there has been no consistency, discipline, or lifestyle developed and practiced prior to the new year working toward your goals (resolutions), then it is real easy to feel defeated on week two, or month two, scuttle the mission and fall back into old habits. Habits are not broken by resolve alone, especially if they are not met with regular action and consistent discipline.
Here is a telling stat: only 8% of resolutions are successfully completed by Americans. Whatever the reason, people are definitely doing resolutions wrong. Maybe it is because people are so zeroed in on that big picture goal they lose sight of the day-to-day requirements and personal accountability it takes to achieve those accomplishments and make improvements in their life. Nothing can be achieved without dedication, determination, persistence, discipline, and consistence! Additionally and firstly, I would add God's help and grace, because without Him I realize I can do nothing consistently long enough on my own! How about you? Could the reason you have failed to keep your resolutions over the years be that you lack the strength you need to do so, but do not want to admit you need God's help?
I believe God strengthens us to accomplish things in our life and when we operate in His timing and season He helps us more so when what we determine to do is beyond our human frailties. God moves in seasons and not years, and I believe that. Also, The Bible teaches us to understand times and seasons, not years, months and days. My family and I observe God's Hebraic clock (calendar), therefore we begin again each September/October as His Holy calendar guides our steps. We've taught our ministry partners to do the same, and I can say over the 20 plus years we have been observing same we have experienced more peace, joy, favor and accomplishments in doing so. We have been able to honor our vows and commitments we made to The Lord, and He has strengthened us to perform our obligations concerning people.
I believe too many people are focused on the days, weeks, months, and years (moments in time); therefore, if they fail a task or fall short of a promise in that moment the thought of failure keeps them from continuing. In so doing, they miss the greater opportunities for their life, the season God has for them, which allows them to repent and start again. That is why Christ came, to help us start again! God knew we could not keep our commitments on our own, so He sent help...His Son! Who was obedient in all things and would help us to the same if we trust Him and not depend on ourselves.
I have several big goals for this season of my life (5775/5776), especially ministry and life goals (can not wait to share many of them with you!), but in light of my past struggles and some failures, I think my biggest goals are not necessarily my most important goals. The big stuff will not happen if we are not tuned into the small stuff, and the small stuff is where we can achieve tangible gains and build the momentum towards the bigger goals. When we focus on the seasons in our life instead of moments in time we can experience a setback and not feel so defeated! We learn we are not limited to the time we have determined for ourselves to accomplish something, but more focused on the strength God gives us to achieve what He has ordained for us over the long run. We learn life is not a sprint but a marathon! One we must be trained and conditioned for, which all require discipline and consistency. Two things may people know they need but lack much of in their life.
So what is the ‘big’ stuff? For me it is to seek first The Kingdom of God and His righteousness each day and reach my fellow man with His love! He promised if we do so that He will provide everything else we need. It might not always be what we want, but it will be what we need. But the small stuff, which is actually larger than you would image, such as discipline, consistency, and focus are daily activities necessary to accomplish the "big stuff"! Yet, if we do not do them regularly and with some determination we will not go on to accomplish much of anything.
Like you, I sometimes have a hectic life, balancing all the tasks I have going on right now. If we are not careful we can tend to worry about tomorrow and the day after and the day after that, but today has enough troubles of its own that need to be dealt with. Ignore them and before long the days begin to blend together into one easily forgettable pile of mush, causing exhaustion and frustration; leading to an abandonment of the lofty resolutions, promises or goals we set. So, I will continue to set long term goals but my real focus will be on the only thing I can change – the here and now...TODAY! I am going to engage in the often dirty and messy, but rewarding daily grind of life, with my family, my work, my friends, and total strangers. Some days we will see great success, others, in our eyes, miserable failure, but at least we will be in the game; the game of life! And with God's help we will overcome every obstacle and achieve what He has for us in the seasons of our life!
I encourage you today to lay aside resolutions and begin recognizing the seasons of your life. Recognize when opportunities present themselves for you to do more than you have previous and maximize that time. Observe the entry's and exits of people in your life and appreciate the time they were there. Enjoy the moments in life that take your breath away and capture their essence as part of an incredible experience you may not have again. Endeavor to be present when engaged in conversation and learn to live in the moment without thought of the future. Determine to spending each day with people you love as though it may be your last. Take no thought for tomorrow, for it is not promised, so seize the moment you have been given to live, love, and laugh. But do not life your life vicariously as though there is no tomorrow, but wisely, understanding there is a Heaven to gain and a Hell to shun! Always 👏 Give thanks! 🙏 Pray continually! 😎 And enjoy life fully! For these are gifts of God and given to us as man to enjoy. If you must resolve to do anything, then let it be to live for God, through His Son in all you say and do! To love Him above all others and your fellow man as yourself.
I pray you find rest, joy, and peace which can only be found in Yahshua the Christ, Amen!
Shalom,
Apostle B
