ANOTHER
YEAR?
I'm not certain, but I don't think
I have ever made a new years resolution. Many do make them, but few keep them.
It seems that the end of the year causes us to reflect on our accomplishments,
and failures, with a desire to change or improve upon our failures. Why is that
so? Perhaps it is tradition, or it might be a convenient time, but
whatever the reason we always talk
about or make those resolutions.
The years exist because God set that order in creation (Gen.
1:14). Mans years on the earth are also limited (Psalms 90:10). No man knows
when his death will come or the existence of time will end (Jas. 4:13,14; II
Pet. 3:10). These scriptures reveal the importance of time and our use of it.
Paul emphasizes this further when he encourages us to redeem the time, meaning
we only have one chance to use it (Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5). Obviously, man needs
to take account of his life more than at the beginning of the year.
Am I discouraging New Years resolutions? No, I am not
discouraging our reviewing the different aspects of our life at this time of
year, but I am encouraging a more frequent review. Job said, "My days are swifter than a weaver's
shuttle, and are spent without hope" (Job 7:6). The spirit of man can be separated
from the body at any moment, bringing death (Jas. 2:26). Paul issued the
warning that we should "examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith
(II Cor. 13:5).
The
importance of being prepared when we are called from this earth cannot be over
emphasized, but our being prepared will be determined by our works while here
(II Cor. 5:10). The most important resolution one can make in life is to obey
God, but that must be a continuous resolution, not something we think about at
the start of a new year (Heb. 3:13).
So,
let each of us make the decision to live a life daily that is based upon God's
instructions. If we give diligence in our study (II Tim. 2:15), and strive to
correct our faults as we recognize them, there will be little need for
resolutions at the beginning of the New Year. None of us know if we will have
the beginning of another year. Let us understand as the wise writer Solomon
said, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose
under the heaven" (Eccl. 3:1). Let us use the time God gives us
wisely, and give thanks daily to Him for life and the blessings he gives (Eph.
5:20). Happy New Year!!
Jack