Tuesday, January 1, 2013

WHY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FAIL

What is your New Year resolution?  A common question among Americans during the first two weeks of January.  Many people, in hopes of self improvement, at the start of a new calendar year, resolve to live, think, behave, differently than they did the previous year.  A noble cause to say the least, but equally common as making a resolution is the failure to achieve our goal.

I am convinced that the majority of resolutions fail because they are motivated by selfish ambition. They commonly have an inward focus. We choose our goal(s) because of a benefit we will receive.  We choose to get in shape because we will become more attractive.  We choose to be kinder because we will gain more friends.  We choose to donate more time or money because we want to feel less guilty.  I think you get my point. 

Just because a resolution is inwardly focused doesn’t mean it’s bad.

For example, among the top ten resolutions is “to lose weight” in the coming year. We may chose to do this for several reasons: for our own health; for comfort; for our appearance; or to encourage and motivate others to do the same.

When we look at these reasons we may notice that they mostly focus on the positive results enjoyed by ourselves. However we all have a responsibility to those who love us to maintain good health. We have a responsibility to God to be a good "care taker" of  the body that He has provided for us to use. Also we have a responsibility to those who are and will be in need of help, to be available to provide the help they need.

HOW TO MAKE A RESOLUTION WE CAN KEEP

First, realize we all have a natural human tendency to be selfish and prideful.  So begin to think of making others a priority over myself.
13 You call Me Teacher and Lord. This is well said, for I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you. John 13:13-15 (HCSB)
Second, make a (short and realistic) list of ways I can make a difference this year in my church and community. Start with obvious areas where volunteers are needed.  Be aware that I may need to think in terms of which person or family, instead of an entire church or community.           

Third, pray about which single difference to get involved in and commit to playing a role in that activity for the entire year.

 17 Pray constantly. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (HCSB)
12 I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.13 Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14:12-14 (HCSB)


Finally,  avoid the "spot light", resist the desire to draw attention to how hard we are serving or the difference we may or may not be making.
 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 1 Peter 4:9 (HCSB)

Remember, it's not us, it's about serving God and making a difference in SOMEONE ELSE'S life.
34 “I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 (HCSB)

No comments:

Post a Comment