Giving Up on Resolutions

February 2015.   So…how are you doing on your New Year’s resolutions?

I have always been a resolution maker…and a resolution breaker.  The word “resolution” comes from the word “resolve” which actually has something to do with finding a solution and solving a problem by deciding on a new course of action.  I want to make a resolution to solve the problems of ME… and we know THAT isn’t something that I can actually accomplish, certainly not by will power, nor permanently!

So, I moved on to “prayer goals” which are a lot like resolutions except that we bring these to God asking Him to accomplish these desires in our life.  Definitely a step in the right direction–realizing that I can’t solve the problem of ME in my own strength.

I’ve had decades to be convinced that I can’t accomplish transformation by my own mental fortitude and determination.  So maybe it is time to die–in the Biblical way.  Die to ME, die to my efforts to “self-help” and DIY.

Here is what A.W. Tozer (The Crucified Life) said:  “The crucified life is a life absolutely committed to following after Christ Jesus.  To be more like Him. To think like Him.  To act like Him.  To love like Him.  The whole essence of spiritual perfection has everything to do with Jesus Christ.  Not with rules and regulations.  Not with how we dress or what we do or do not do.  We are not to look like each other; rather, we are to look like Christ.”

Important for all of us, leaders or not!