The most common resolutions for Christians are to read the Bible more, followed closely by praying more, going to church more frequently or participating in Bible studies more, and giving more of time and money to help others. In recovery circles resolutions are often similar, to make more meetings, help others more, read and study the literature more, and pray and meditate more. There is nothing wrong with doing any of the above, but if something along these lines is on your list of improvements for next year, there are some things to watch out for.
First, although it wasn't mentioned in yesterday's UM, motives matter. This is true when it's the motive behind wanting to lose weight, stop drinking or stop cussing, but it is especially true when it comes to motives behind wanting or feeling the need to pray more, read the Bible more, embracing the fellowship more, helping others, etc. Is our desire to pray more due to wanting a deeper relationship with the One we pray to, or is it because we feel we should be praying more, that we don't pray enough or as much as others or as much as our beliefs say is spiritual and saint like? Or do we feel the need to pray more in hopes that we'll be blessed and good enough to somehow deserve for God to make next year easier, better, more comfortable, etc. than this past year has been? Are our thoughts on things to improve something that is on our heart because we want to get closer to God, to be able to grow spiritually in order to better be able to practice the principles of love and truth in more of our affairs and with more consistency and to increase our ability to be of maximum service to God and others, or is under the idea for improvement the desire to earn approval from God and or people, to measure up to how we see others or to how we want them to see us, is it for His glory or our pride?
These motive checks can be applied to any and all resolutions, and probably should be, because, as I said, motives matter. We can not earn God's grace, help, approval or acceptance. These are all freely given to those who will receive and surrender to His will. His love is freely given to all, whether they ever accept it or not. We can not earn easy circumstances by being more holy or having more faith. And we can not ever measure up or make ourselves saints. We are saints because of the work of Christ, not because of anything we have done. We can not, on our own will, strength, determination or power, do anything real to change spiritually or make ourselves righteous. We can not make ourselves kinder, more loving or compassionate. We can study and learn, but we can not make ourselves wise. We can see the need to give but we can not make ourselves more joyfully and lovingly self sacrificing. Like everything that we are powerless to do, if it is to be done, we will need God's power, His grace to do it.
So if there are things on your heart and mind that you feel would be good to improve in the year to come, whether they are spiritual or not, first check motive. Are we trying to meet a need within us that only relationship with God can fill with how we look or how much security we have or how helpful we are to others, etc.? Or are we simply wanting to be the best we can be and more like and closer to Jesus? If the motive is right, pray and look into the best plan of action to bring about the goal. Resolutions are not wishes thrown at the future in hopes that they will magically happen. If they are fulfilled, it is because of God's grace and us putting action into it. Let God direct the choices, the plan and give the power to do it. Stay surrendered to His will and rely on His strength and power. But it is our resolution, our resolve not to take our will back, our resolve to follow through in grace even when it isn't fun, doesn't feel good or seem to be making the difference in our life we expected.
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