©Joy Dunlap https://joydunlap.com
There’s nothing wrong (and there can be a lot right) with resolutions, but it’s important to consider the “why” when making them, and what really matters if we fall short in keeping them.
Are we doing them because of peer pressure, the latest marketing campaign, or it’s“the thing to do,” or because those resolutions and goals encourage us to focus on God, serve Him better, follow His path, better utilize the gifts He’s given us, or love others more?
What if we make it…?
Less about “them.” More about Him.
Less about us. More about trust.
Is it surprising than 60% of people who made resolutions said they felt pressured to do them?
Interestingly, the older we get the less likely we are to make New Year’s resolutions. According to Pew Research Center, only a fifth of adults over 50 make resolutions while almost half of young adults aged 18-29 do.
Many factors could impact that. Young adults are establishing their careers and home lives; and also may be used to a goal-oriented, grade-focused academic or job entry environment. Some older adults may have developed more contentment with family, friends and finances.
More than 50% of those who made resolutions said their keeping them fell off before the fourth month, most in the second and third months (22% each), according to a Forbes Health survey.
When we don’t accomplish the resolutions we set for ourselves, we have to guard against becoming discouraged or self-denigrating.
Instead of allowing unmet expectations to stir doubt about who we are and what we can achieve, we do better to focus instead on how God shows us WHOSE we are and what He wants us to accomplish.
Through God’s grace, we are enough – we are fearfully and wonderfully made – and we are individually gifted by Him. That’s enough to be thankful for who we are. Yes, we want to use our talents and gifts to the best of our ability for His glory – but working as unto Him not for man.
The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b
When we miss the mark, whether in resolutions, goals or intentions, it can be helpful to contemplate:
- Why did we want to accomplish that particular resolution? What was our motive in making it?
- How would achieving that goal encourage and strengthen the lives, faith and wellbeing of others? Simply put, how could it glorify God and encourage others?
- What factors contributed to not accomplishing it?
- Were prayer and Scripture vital tools used consistently in working toward it?
- In what ways might we be more successful if we tried to accomplish it again (if we still deem it worthwhile)?
- Is this what God wants us to change, improve, or work toward right now? (What spiritual growth element is in it?)
- Who can we have come alongside us to support us?
- How we can best reboot and recharge for what God is guiding us to do?
While we’re considering the expectations we put on ourselves, let’s think about a couple of Scriptures that address what God wants to see us do.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-39
Love God. Love others.
Love mercy. Act justly. Walk humbly.
Merciful. Just. Loving.
Sound like Someone we know?
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24
- What resolution, intention, or goal, if any, did you identify this year?
- What change are you embracing in your life this month that will give glory to God and/or encouraging others?
- Which of these three do you think you best employ? Which do you hope to improve? Mercy. Justice. Humility.
- In what ways can you put more action in your love for God this month?
- What is one way you have (or plan to) show love for others this month?
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™
*Unless otherwise noted, Scripture references are from New International Version (NIV)