This morning at the workout center a friend commented, “Enjoy this while you can, because next week (the week after New Year) it will be packed. Fortunately, most of them will be gone by the middle of the month.” He was referring to all the people who make a New Year’s resolution to work out more. They are not alone, since with the coming of the New Year many of us make resolutions. We resolve to lose weight (guilty), exercise more, not spend so much, get out of debt, study harder, drink less, spend more time with family, have more patience, quit smoking, get organized, eat healthier, or stop procrastinating; the list is endless. Almost all resolutions deal with a personal weakness or failing; I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone resolving to eat more chocolate.   
 While many of us make resolutions, few of us keep them. The resolutions with the best chances of success are those that don’t reflect serious personal weakness such as have more fun or do something for charity. Why is it so hard to keep resolutions? I think it because we are depending on our own wills, and what makes it worse is that it is not a one-time call on our willpower, but rather a sustained effort. Most resolutions require instilling a new habit (which is hard) and breaking old habits (which is even harder).

 Most people who do succeed in keeping a resolution don’t do so alone. Some rely on friends or family, or sometimes a professional counselor. Support groups are also helpful; for example, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which seems to be one of the most effective. Even with human help, it’s devilishly hard to keep a resolution. AA recognizes this, and reliance on a “Higher Power” is an important part of their program. As Christians we should have a higher success rate. Not only can we rely on friends, family and professionals, but we can rely on God. It is still difficult, but we need to have faith.

 Can we successfully resolve to lead a Christian life? Imagine the willpower it would take to live an entire life without sinning. We’re not talking about just being good for Santa Claus. It would be impossible. Fortunately, salvation doesn’t depend on our resolve; it’s a gift from God. All it requires is repentance and belief; as it says in Romans 10:9 ,“If you declare with your mouth “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

 Read Romans 10:5-13, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Jim

Today’s reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10%3A5-13