A blessed New Year to you!
Be fit for purpose: glorify God!
Many in the world have made sundry resolutions for the New Year. Some will go to meticulous lengths to keep these in the hope of achieving desirable or worthy improvements to their lives. The only problem is that without Christ these resolutions are ultimately worthless. In the light of eternity, the only resolution or goal that counts is that which addresses and is hinged on the purpose for which we exist. If, as the Westminster Confession of Faith states, the ultimate goal of man is "to glorify God and enjoy Him forever" (Isaiah 43:7, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Psalm 73:25-26), then only the resolutions founded on the Truth are virtuous and valuable. Further, it is only through the enablement of the Spirit of Truth that worthy goals can be fulfilled. So all glory belongs to God.
It is, without doubt, scriptural to make resolutions. There are many examples in the Bible of individuals making Godly resolutions and vows. Daniel resolved in his heart that he will not defile himself with the king's food and wine - a courageous decision of faith (Daniel 1:8). Joshua, before the people of Israel entered Canaan, resolved that he and his family will serve God - a robust vow of faithfulness (Joshua 24:15). Ruth displayed an unfaltering resolve to follow Naomi: "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God." (Ruth 1:16).
Prayer
Be fit for purpose: glorify God!
Many in the world have made sundry resolutions for the New Year. Some will go to meticulous lengths to keep these in the hope of achieving desirable or worthy improvements to their lives. The only problem is that without Christ these resolutions are ultimately worthless. In the light of eternity, the only resolution or goal that counts is that which addresses and is hinged on the purpose for which we exist. If, as the Westminster Confession of Faith states, the ultimate goal of man is "to glorify God and enjoy Him forever" (Isaiah 43:7, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Psalm 73:25-26), then only the resolutions founded on the Truth are virtuous and valuable. Further, it is only through the enablement of the Spirit of Truth that worthy goals can be fulfilled. So all glory belongs to God.
It is, without doubt, scriptural to make resolutions. There are many examples in the Bible of individuals making Godly resolutions and vows. Daniel resolved in his heart that he will not defile himself with the king's food and wine - a courageous decision of faith (Daniel 1:8). Joshua, before the people of Israel entered Canaan, resolved that he and his family will serve God - a robust vow of faithfulness (Joshua 24:15). Ruth displayed an unfaltering resolve to follow Naomi: "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God." (Ruth 1:16).
Consider the amazing resolutions of Jonathan Edwards, regarded by many to be America's greatest preacher and theologian. At the youthful age of 19, he recorded 70 resolutions in his righteous quest to live a holy and fruitful life. It is salutary that the very first of these is a resolution to live for the glory of God, and he equates the glory of God with his own joy and pleasure:
You can read the remainder of Jonathan Edwards' resolutions here:"Resolved: That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved, so to do, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever."
Prayer
May you in 2014 bear fruit continually and abundantly for the glory of God. May you abide throughout in Christ, for the word of our Lord Jesus is clear:
"I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit, for without Me, you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
May we all make it our goal to be well pleasing to God through Christ, in line with 2 Corinthians 5:9.
And if you do not yet know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, I pray that you come to find true life. May you repent of your sins and trust in Jesus the only Saviour, in whose name I pray.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
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