As we enter 2019, perhaps we who believe by faith can do something to change that by using the old process of making a New Year's resolution that has the answer. After all, resolutions require us to look at ourselves critically as we try to improve ourselves. Now I know many of you might say New Year's resolutions? Are you kidding me, we don't make those anymore. Today we do what we want and however we want. And that, friends, is a large part of the problem.
Look at the list above. For those who still make resolutions, there are some good points included but they all could be approached in a much different way and with the support mechanism to really carry them out. How? By making our first resolution so big and potentially powerful that the other things we need to do will fall in place. Make living for the Lord first and foremost is the way to do it. In all that we do, ask Him for advice and guidance and He will help. Only He has the answers and truly wants us to give Him our lives to mold and develop. Only He, the Creator, has the ability to spark that Spirit in us..
Now, if we don't believe in God, then the problem is solved, or at least for those who don't believe they think it is and they can just muddle on along and watch the successive failures build. They might have power and money and think they own the world, but the day will come when this life ends and they will find they have nothing. They can't take it with them.
But for believers, when we believe in the Lord and put Him first, all else will fall in place. Oh, it may not be the way we imagined in our weak mortal earthly view, but it will be a change toward making us closer to the image He has for us on the road to eternity. Each day that goes by will be a step in the right direction which will lead us to an eternity with Him when this life is over. Will it be more wonderful and marvelous than anything we can imagine. Well, let's just say I'm putting all my chips on the table on it.
So, when we go to make our resolutions this year, and by all means it is a great thing to focus on being better in all things, put the Lord first and let Him lead the way. Just make those goals all subordinate to that master goal. If we do, at the end of the year we will
find ourselves, shall we say, divinely surprised and pleased.
Dear Lord, We thank you for guiding us through the past year safely and ask that you guide us and direct us in the new year to do a better job of putting you first. With you, we can be anything. Without you, we are nothing. Help us to understand that in all that we do. We ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and our Mediator with you, Amen.