This was originally posted in January 2021. I have made some minor revisions.
We begin the New Year 2021, one year closer to Jesus’s return. In the interim we look to the coming year with great hope and expectation, particularly after enduring the trials and tribulations of 2020. The hope of a more fulfilling life and desirable future is what ultimately motivates each of us to get up in the morning and press on through difficult times in our life and in the world.
The beginning of a new year is typically a time when we make what are referred to as New Year’s resolutions. A resolution is a firm decision, a strong determination, an unwavering promise we make to ourselves or to others of our intent to live differently – to accomplish certain goals and objectives that we believe will improve the quality of our lives and our relationships with others.
Some typical resolutions might include:
Resolved: To exercise regularly and eat healthier this coming year.
Resolved: To quit smoking/drinking or another problematic or sinful habit.
Resolved: To get out of debt and save money.
Resolved: To become a kinder and more patient person.
Resolved: To become a better wife/husband/mother/father/student/employee.
Resolved: To read my Bible and pray at least an hour each day.
Now all of these resolutions appear to be good and honorable, even commendable, and they all very well may be. However, it is also possible and even probable that none of them may be – at least not in the eyes of God, which is ultimately all that matters. The truth is that all of these resolutions may be seen by God as sin. And the reason they may be sinful is because they are pursued for our glory rather than God’s, through faith in our abilities, rather than dependence upon Him (Romans 14:23).
The Bible states quite clearly in Isaiah 43:7 that mankind was created by God for HIS Glory; that we would each image and display in our being and through our activities, relationships and achievements, unique aspects of the infinite perfections of God’s being; finding our greatest joy, our greatest pleasure, our greatest satisfaction in knowing, loving and being loved by Him and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for any and all good in our lives (James 1:17). Thus, in 1 Corinthians 10:31 we are commanded that in whatever we do, whether we eat or drink, work or play, sleep or pray, or write a Christian blog post, whatever we do, we are to do so for the glory of God.
God requires all men everywhere to behold, love, treasure, enjoy, proclaim and display His glory, not because He is a cosmic narcissist, but because to do anything less leaves man and creation under the curse of sin, wherein we live our lives in this world seeking and settling for lesser pleasures, lesser joys and a lesser significance than we were created by God to enjoy in Him (Psalm 8:4-8). Those resolved to achieve these things for themselves, independent of God, for their own glory, will remain throughout this life, unsatisfied, unfulfilled, discontent, always in search of something more, something new, something better to satisfy and fulfill needs and desires that only God in expressions of His glory can satisfy (Psalm 90:14) (Psalm 37:4).
What therefore would/should be the resolutions of those of us whose passion in this life is to live for the glory of God?
Jonathon Edwards was a man I believe wrote more on the glory of God, of the infinite value of God’s person and the perfections of His Being, than any other man apart from the Apostle Paul. He became a Christian early in his life and as a young man in his twenties he wrote for himself seventy resolutions (link to) that he would strive to achieve, by the grace and power of God, in order to live his life for the glory of God.
The preamble or introduction to those resolutions reads like this: Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat Him that by His grace He would enable me to keep these resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ’s sake (glory).
So, what might a Christian’s list of resolutions look like this year – and every year? If Edward’s list is too formidable (it certainly is for me), I would suggest it look something like this:
Resolved: To strive to love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and my neighbor as myself. Matthew 22:37-39
Resolved: To seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Matthew 6:33
Resolved: To love not the world and the things of the world. 1 John 2:15
Resolved: To consider other people’s needs more important than my own. Philippians 2:3-4
Resolved: To be Holy as God is Holy. 1 Peter 1:16
Resolved: To deny myself, pick up my cross and follow Jesus. Matthew 16:24
Resolved: To trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not to my own understanding in the circumstances of my life. Proverbs 3:5-6
Resolved: To no longer be conformed to the passions and fashions of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of my mind through prayer, Bible study and active participation in a Bible teaching church. Romans 12:1-2
Resolved: To share the Gospel for the salvation and eternal joy of all whose lives I touch. 2 Timothy 4:2
Resolved: To live a life that counts for God- not just a life of passing the time. Ephesians 5:15-17
Resolved: To recognize my absolute dependence on God’s grace through faith in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to even begin to achieve the above resolutions. John 15:5 1 Corinthians 15:10 Romans 8:26-27
Grace and Peace ×
It’s your motives
That he notice
Did you do it
Just for me !