How often have you heard THAT this year? Of course, the next question invariably centers around how long you think you'll actually keep your resolution, right? The desire for change, for improvement, is a good thing, of course. If anyone thinks s/he has reached perfection, well, s/he's got some pride to work on, right?
Take a closer at these resolutions, however, and many (if not most) concern self-improvement. We'll lose weight, budget better, work harder, etc. But how does a born-again Christian look at his/herself? Are we content to merely improve our physical bodies? to develop new habits? break other habits? even as far as to improve/change our relationships with our spouse, our family, our friends, our colleagues?
As good as self-improvement is ... what about our relationship with GOD? Does improving that relationship even cross our minds? Are we content to let things stay as they are? Or could we get to know God better by talking with Him more often, by listening to Him speak to us through His Word and reading it more frequently, by consulting with Him first before we make plans, set goals, and come to decisions?
When I think of the word "resolution," I am reminded of the old hymn: "I Am Resolved." The English language has definitely changed since the song was written. But put your King James English thinking cap on and check the lyrics below. Can you find something in them to make your Christian life resolution this year?
I Am Resolved
Words: Palmer Hartsough, 1896. Music: James Fillmore
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.
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.
* Refrain:
I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
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.*
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.*
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.*
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.*
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.*
Simple tune:
http://youtu.be/oKh5yjJrFJo
dm