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Resolutions
In 2005 I resolve
to: eat less, exercise more, spend more time with my family, save
more money, give more money to the church, be more forgiving, be
more patient, hold my tongue, to read such and such a book, to visit
my friends more, to write more cards, to journal, to make my bed
EVERY day, to get out of debt, to attend worship more regularly, to
pray more, to read the whole Bible, to do all my Christmas shopping
before Thanksgiving, to be more organized, to keep my office clean,
to save endangered species from extinction, to design a perpetual
motion machine, to crete a practical fusion engine, to write a
comprehensive defense of Christian faith, to create world peace, to
end global warming.
What are you going to
resolve to do this next year? Anything? Everything?
In considering the habit
of resolution making the next year, let me offer a few suggestions:
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Make your resolutions
obtainable. Many goals are lofty and noble. Yet, if they are
unattainable, they are simply dreams without substance. Setting an
unachievable goal will only frustrate you and make you feel like a
failure. Make your resolution one that you can accomplish, making
you proud of your dedication.
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Make your resolution
specific. It is easy to say you will do some vague thing. It is
much harder and much more rewarding to do something specific. Many
people want to lose weight, for instance, while others want to
pray more. Yet, few people qualify their goals. How much weight do
you want to lose? How much time do you want to spend in prayer?
When will you be happy with your progress? Settle on a goal for
success and then obtain it!
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Prioritize your life.
Every year I hear the same old joke that says, "I resolve not to
make any more resolutions." A non-smoker will say, "I give up
cigarettes." Your resolution needs to matter. Does it help you
become what you want to become? Does your resolution help you be a
better ______? Most of us want to become more faithful, more fit,
more financially stable, more learned, and more loving. What do
you want to become? Will your resolution matter? If you could
improve just one thing about yourself, what would it be?
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Commit. "But above all,
my brothers and sisters, do not swear either by heaven or earth or
with any other oath: but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no,
so that you may not fall under judgment." (James 5:12). Commit
fully.
I might have been hasty
with my resolutions at the beginning of this article. Perhaps, I
will reconsider. Let our church help you in your goals. Let us help
you to be accountable and achieve success in your goals and in your
life. We are proud of you and your goals and want to help you in
your quest for 2005.
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