No, don’t just do your best. Do what you have to do, no matter what it takes; do your duty.”
–Chris Bennett (Road to Revolution)
“Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.”
–2 John 8 (NASB)
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“Resolution–absolutely! Resolution–why not? No, not a quirk; it is not ‘resolutions are made to be broken.’ To be resolute means to be determined, bold, steady. A resolution is the state or quality of being resolute; determination; a course of action resolved on. Therefore, this is to be our determination the, our course of action, our duty, our way of life. Now is the day of salvation. Now is the time to make a stand. Now is the time to declare our allegiance.” (taken from “New Trails Through the Old Hymns).
“I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight;
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.”
–Palmer Hartsough
Making resolutions seems to have become a New Year’s tradition. Making them–then breaking them. If that is the case, then it is not truly a resolution. To make one is to make a determination, to discipline oneself to become better, overcome something, or strive for a goal. When a person is born again, they repented–repentance is a form of resolution. The way of life has changed; no more ruled by sin, but now resolving to live for the Lord. It is hungering and thirsting for righteousness. The world no longer delights us, but we seek, yearn for, and determine to set our standards on things that are higher.
“I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true one, He is the just one,
He hath the words of life.”
I do not think that a person has to wait for a New Year to get on the right track, to set goals. In fact, as soon as someone thinks that they need to break a habit, form new habits or strive to live righteously, they need to start doing it immediately and not to wait until a certain time of the year. I like what Matt Hagee calls it–“continuous improvement.” That’s a more modern term for sanctification.
God gave some important instructions to Joshua that we should well heed. “…do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.” (Deuteronomy 1:7, NASB) Don’t be looking around at the things in the world. They will sway you, entice you and try to turn you away from your resolve to walk with the Lord. You chose the Lord, you repented, that means you have consecrated (you have resolved) yourself to live for the Lord. You have decided (resolved) to pick up your cross and follow Jesus. Matthew reminds us of this, “If anyone wished to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” (16:24, NASB)
“I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living way.
I am resolved to enter the kingdom,
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.”
When we partake of the Lord’s Supper we are told to examine ourselves; that is, to look at our resolve. Are there things in your life that are hindering your walk? Are there people who may cause you to forget your purpose, your resolve? Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:14, NASB) Listen, “the heavenly way is not an easy way. It will take dedication, concentration, the adherence to duty to make it. No matter what may come–resolve to overcome. Resolve no matter the obstacle, the storm, the battle, the wounds and scars, the odds;” (“New Trails Through the Old Hymns”) that you will continue on until you reach glory.
Yes, if you see a need in your life make that resolution now. But as you continue to walk there will be things that come up. Don’t wait until the next New Year to take care of them–do it immediately! Resolve not to let anything keep you from your walk with the Lord!