January 10, 2010

I Resolve!


Resolve! Just what does the word resolve mean?
According to dictionary.com, when used as a verb, it means "to come to a definite or earnest decision about or determine (to do something): I have resolved that I shall live to the full." When used as a noun, the word resolve can mean "firmness of purpose or intent".
With the new year arriving, many people are contemplating what things they can resolve to do during this year to make changes, break habits, start new habits, or make meaningful improvements in the way they live their life. This is a great idea, however; before you make out that resolution list you might want to reflect on what this new year could mean in the overall "BIG" picture of your life.
While this new year may not be as significant as the year 2000, which began a new millennium; it is the year 2010, which means that we are embarking on a new decade. Wow! What a fresh new start that is . Not just a new year but a new decade--a new set of 10 years. And all of this with the opportunity that only God can give us--to began this new decade with a clean slate...a new beginning...a fresh start. The old has passed away and behold ALL THINGS are new! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Therefore, with this realization of the potential impact of your resolutions, why not resolve to do something BIG? Something special? Something impressive? Why not step back, reach out and muster all of the effort, heart, giftings, passion, desire, and talent that God has granted to you, and do that thing that you always dreamed of doing but were afraid to do because of the potential risk. The end result just might be worth more than the cost of the effort. You might just find that purpose that God created you for. There is, however, one thing that is an absolute, guaranteed certainty. If you resolve to do nothing, you can be assured of your success. You will most definitely accomplish NOTHING!
So go ahead and step up to the challenge of a better decade...or at least a better you! When we resolve to make improvements in our lives, and we do so with prayer and consideration for our God-given purpose, we can and should expect great things to happen in our lives, our church and even our world! God will bless our resolve and effort when it is put forth out of a pure heart with pure motives.
So, what BIG thing do you resolve to do in the coming year? Here are some suggestions to help get you kick started in the right direction.
-Seek out someone to start a new relationship with, making sure that it is not all about you. It is when you don’t seek your own benefit that you actually benefit the most!
-Seek out ways to improve your service to others; either in your church, your community or some community service organization. Jesus said in Matthew 23:11, "The greatest among you will be your servant."
-Seek out ways to enrich and excite your time with the Lord, both in finding new ways to pray with fervor and exploring new avenues to revive your effort and hunger to learn His Word.
But whatever you resolve to do this year, commit yourself to the resolution and see it through. You will be a better person for the effort!