The "R" Word

It is usually this time of the year when the "R" word begins making its way into our conversation.  We begin to speak about "resolutions" and our desire to change something about our lives.  We make resolutions to lose that extra weight that we have added through the years.  We make resolutions to read the Bible on a more consistent basis.  We even make resolutions to spend more time in seeking after God through prayer and meditation.  Our lists of resolutions can run the gamut of our needs and even desires in our lives.  But we all understand that many of these resolutions never quite make their way into our daily living on a consistent basis.  Resolutions have to transition to dedication if we are to see a successful conclusion to the initial steps to change some particular aspect of our lives.

 

Serving Christ in a manner of true love and obedience will require more than a New Year's Resolution.  Serving Christ will require a lifestyle of commitment and dedication to the work of Christ in our heart.  We can see the difference in commitment and resolution in the lifestyle of the top athletes of our world.  Resolutions do not send the athlete to the gym to put in his/her long hours in preparation for the athletic event.  Resolutions do not send the scholar to the classroom to finish their Master's or Doctorate degrees.  Resolutions do not send the artist back to the canvas to finish the masterpiece that they began.  What is the action that separates the "wanna be's" from those who are able to accomplish their goals?  It is the action of commitment.  Could we describe this action in these terms; "Truly successful people resolve to be committed to the goals/desires that have been placed in their hearts. 

 

Jesus shared this principle with us when He issued this call to His disciples.  Matthew 16:24-26, "Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. ²⁵ If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. ²⁶ And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? (NLT)

 

Our walk with God will require commitment and not just resolutions.