Pastors Corner

 

 

 

 

The beginning of a new year seems like the best time to change old habits and make new beginnings. That’s the theory behind ‘New Year’s Resolutions’. In practice New Year’s Day seems to work about as good as any other time of the year --- which means, that for most of us, it doesn’t work at all. Usually, there are many reasons for this; I share two with you.

 

First, we often ignore God. All sin and some habits require radical spiritual deliverance and for that we need God’s intervention in our lives. These things demand more than an ‘on and off switch’. From them we need deliverance and freedom. This is what God offers us through faith in Jesus Christ. The person who believes that they can control their own sinful appetites apart from God’s radical intervention is destined to repeated failure. Maybe it’s old fashioned and out dated to say so, but I still believe that some things in life require forgiveness, healing, and restoration from the grace of God. The good news is that He still offers it freely.

 

Second, our resolutions are often just wishful thinking and not really resolutions at all. They lack substance in commitment and planning. “This YEAR I will ……” is a statement of defeat for most of us. It is procrastination disguised as a hope for the future. We can change that and increase our chances for success if instead we simply say, “TODAY I will ……” and then DO IT before this day passes. This makes every day a new beginning and a day of promise unto itself. We build character and strength into our lives one day at a time. What a great lesson to teach our children.

 

Gerald B. Klein wrote words that are applicable here:

 

“Today is here. I will start with a smile and resolve to be agreeable. I will not criticize. I

refuse to waste my valuable time.

Today in one thing I know I am equal with all others – time. All of us draw the same salary in

seconds, minutes, and hours.

Today I will not waste my time because the minutes I wasted yesterday are as lost as a vanished

thought.

Today I refuse to spend time worrying about what might happen—it usually doesn’t. I am going

to spend time making things happen.

Today I am determined to study to improve myself, for tomorrow I may be wanted, and I must

not be found lacking.

Today I am determined to do the things that I should do. I firmly determine to stop doing the

things I should not do.

Today I will not imagine what I would do if things were different. They are not different. I will

make success with what material I have.

Today I will act toward other people as though this might be my last day on earth. I will not

wait for tomorrow. Tomorrow never comes.

Today I begin by doing and not wasting my time. In one week I will be miles beyond the person

I am today.”

 

Jesus gave good advice: “Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:32-34 (NLT)