New Years Resolutions
This past month Kathryn and I spent some precious time with friends
ringing in the New Year. Questions were asked, “Gordon, are you going to
make a New Year’s resolution?”
I have an aversion to making resolutions for the New Year
because, before January comes to an end, most of them end in failure. I have
noble intentions; but too often the affairs of my life, necessary and sensible as
they are, keep interrupting my best-laid plans. Yet every new
year I have one main goal or resolution for my life, “To model my life
according to the will of Christ as revealed through His life and teachings.”
What I am seeking is a way to include in my life some Spirit-driven
improvements. So I find myself setting some resolutions that I hope you will join
with me in realizing.
1. I want to consistently start each day with prayer (Mark
1:35) – Most mornings, when I arrive at Rockport to start my day, I find
myself in the beautiful sanctuary on my knees praying through the ever-growing
list of concerns: myself, family, colleagues near and far, pressing issues, and
every member of the Rockport
Church. Yet occasionally
I skimp on the time I give to God.
2. I want to consistently face life’s battles with the
Word of God (Matthew 4:4,7,10). I have found that my
greatest victories have come when I have fortified myself with quality time in
God’s Word. I can easily trace my dumbest decisions to neglect of the
same. I want to govern my life with the same phrase Jesus used when he was
tempted in the desert by Satan, “it is written.”
3. I want to know God for myself (John 17:3). With each passing
year Kathryn and I learn things about each other because we take time getting to
know each other better. Such an experience deepens our love and respect for each
other. I want to better comprehend how incredibly loving and gracious God has
and continues to be toward me.
4. I want to be a shining light for others (Matthew 5:14-16).
Too much light in a room blinds those who wish to see, while too little light
fails to illuminate what needs to be seen. As a disciple of Jesus, I wish to
live a life that brings the light of Christ into the lives of others, so they
may see the same grace I have seen and received.
5. I want to honor respect, and uplift others (Matthew
7:12). Jesus who bore more unjust indignities that I could ever imagine, bids
me to treat others as I wish to be treated. I wish to model my relationships
with others after how Christ relates to me.
6. I want to live in the atmosphere of God’s peace,
regardless of my circumstances (John 16:33). I grow weary of always having to address
one issue after another, incorrect billing from a service provider, and
sometimes far more consequential matters. God promises me peace when I keep my
mind focused upon Him (Isaiah 26:3). Maintaining a trustful walk with Him
places life’s events in perspective. I wish to model such a walk after the
one Jesus had with His heavenly Father.
7. I want to live in eager expectation of His return (Matthew
24:42, 44; 25:13). As a child, I imagined Jesus walking and talking with me at
all times. As an adult, I (sad to say) don’t always imagine Jesus in the
room with me. I want to experience the prayer of Jesus, to be with Him where He
is and see His glory (John 1:24).
What resolutions did you make for this New Year? Whatever
they are, I pray that you will build them upon the foundation of God’s
will for your life.
Rev. Dr. Gordon Myers
