Resolutions

Well, we’re a week into the new year. How are those new year’s resolutions working out for you? Are you sticking to your new diet and exercise programs? No? Me neither. Frustrating isn’t it. It’s amazing how gung-ho and determined we can be on January 1st, and by January 3rd we’ve forgotten how serious we were this year to finally make our health a priority. That’s why I usually don’t make new year’s resolutions. But I did make a resolution to be healthier this year. I even watched “The Biggest Loser” for inspiration. And it worked, for a few days anyway. The thing about getting physically healthy is changing our lifestyle. We have to turn away from certain foods permanently; decide to eat the things that will promote good health, permanently; exercise regularly, and be focused on those things for the long-haul, not for just a season to lose a certain amount of weight.

Our spiritual life is really no different. We determine that we’re going to get serious about our walk with Jesus, but we continue to “eat” the same old things that prohibit us from getting “fit.” Romans 12:2 says to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. It’s a transformation that can only come by spiritual means. But it takes the physical discipline to open the Word of God daily and meditate on the Volume of Truth it contains. God’s Word will change the way we think. I’m amazed at how differently I begin to think when I’ve been out of the Word for even a few days. I start believing lies that Satan plants in my head. I get discouraged much easier. I begin doubting, and forgetting about, the promises of God. Ephesians 5:26-27 confirms this by saying that this renewing (or washing) of our mind comes from the reading and study of God’s Word. In the same way that our way of thinking needs to change for our physical well-being, so also our way of thinking needs to change for our spiritual well-being. No amount of new-age meditation, humming, folded-legs, or positive confession will renew you into the image of Jesus. Only the washing of His Word and a life of selflessness will cause us to live and think more like Jesus.

Here is a list of things that, if attempted or committed to, might make a better you. Special thanks to Dr. Ray Pritchard for this list…

You could read through the Bible in 2008.
You could decide to be baptized.
You could join a short-term missions trip.
You could memorize Romans 8.
You could get involved in a small group.
You could take an online course in how to study the Bible.
You could start a prayer journal.
You could pick 10 good books you want to read this year.
You could stop making excuses and join a church.
You could join the choir.
You could help start a Moms in Touch group.
You could start praying for 3 friends to come to Christ.
You could read “My Utmost For Highest Highest” by Oswald Chambers
You could listen to Christian music while you work out.
You could volunteer to help out at a local public school.
You could try to heal a broken relationship.
You could fast one day a week.
You could pray for an unreached people group.
You could volunteer to help the sound team at your church.
You could visit your local jail once a month.
You could ask God to help you grow in patience (or joy or courage) this year.

Have great 2008!!

Brian

~ by Brian on January 8, 2008.