January 1 - A New Year's Resolution

January 1 - A New Year's Resolution - 1 Corinthians 2:2

I refuse to make New Year's resolutions. It seems to me to be an exercise in futility. Most of us don't remember them within a few days after having spent time planning, discussing and then making them. The word then loses its meaning and we are left, once again, with having made statements that we can no more live up to than idle threats made in grocery stores to unruly children by their parents! (I guess that really annoys me - it was the first comparison that came to mind.)

Anyway.

I looked for the word 'resolve' in the concordance to my Bible and found that it is used three times.

Psalm 17:3, "I have resolved that my mouth will not sin." I absolutely refuse to make that resolution, though I pray daily to keep my stupid mouth shut when it desperately wants to say things it shouldn't.

Daniel 1:8, "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself." Daniel asked for permission not to eat the royal food and wine when taken into the King's household. We all know that he and his friends were healthier and better nourished than any of the other young men who ate the royal food (Daniel 1:15). I doubt that I could live up to this resolution either, though I do love vegetables.

Finally, 1 Corinthians 2:2. It seems appropriate that as I begin a study of Paul, I look at this resolution. Paul did not want to live among the Corinthians with an attitude of superiority. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 says that his message and preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that their faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

Now, there's a resolution that I can make and believe in. It is a battle day by day to write this blog and put it out for others to read. I face doubts and misgivings about what I write and how I write it. I am learning to set myself aside, my need for accolades and appreciation, my desire to please everyone on earth. God is tenderly walking me through His Word and He allows me to share what I find to be fun, interesting and exciting.

To know nothing except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I can resolve to do that.