Resolved

A New Year. A new beginning. A second chance. A fresh start. An opportunity to correct wrongs and rebuild relationships. New resolutions. I’m not certain how much of this is factual about the beginning of the new year, but it is certainly a chance to reevaluate our lives, to consider where we are, and to think about dreams and goals.

I’ve never been real big about making resolutions. I know a lot of people who are and if it works for you, that’s great. There was a rather numerous meme that came across my phone the other day. A dog was writing down his resolutions. He had written, “Bark less, wag more, be nicer to the cat!” The thought bubble above his head said, “I should probably be more realistic.” Maybe you can relate.

However, as we begin this new year, there are a few thoughts I’d like to share with you that we can resolve to include in our lives.

Resolved: “I will do my best to glorify God in every aspect of my life.”

Resolved: “I will rejoice and take pleasure in my Creator.”

Resolved: “I will work harder to present sermons that inspire, instruct, encourage, and bring passion to the hearts of those who hear them.”

Resolved: “I will focus on ministering to others in the spirit of Jesus.”

Resolved: “I will thank God more frequently for the people He has brought into my life that help encourage, shape, challenge, and teach me.”

Resolved: “I will love all people and seek to help those who are not yet Christians find the Savior.”

Resolved: “I will not engage in fruitless, meaningless conversation on social media that might cause harm to the work of our Lord.”

Resolved: “I will seek to encourage some preacher who is struggling or hurting.”

Resolved: “I will encourage young boys and men to consider preaching, or developing the traits of a godly shepherd.”

Resolved: “I will spend more time in prayer, the study of the Word, and other disciplines that will strengthen my faith.”