Don’t Make Resolutions—Be Resolute

By Bro. Richard M. A. Shelton

ACANetwork Prayer Call Facilitator

Yes, sir. It’s that time of the year again. The time right after Thanks giving and Christmas
when we’ve consumed too much food, or spent waayyy too much money. Some of us
even took a little nip of the bubbly. Well, traditionally, January 1st each year is when all
of the remorse kicks in and we make those promises (known as New Year’s Resolutions).
You know, the commitment to loose weight. The intention to be a more disciplined
shopper. The vow to abstain from any fruit of the vine (save for communion on Sundays).

The vow to read your bible more or attend worship service more frequently. Yep, January
1st is a day of big promises…and by March 1st we’re facing equally big disappointments.
Seems somehow that the “resolution” that seemed so important just 60 days earlier, has
lost its station of importance in our lives. Let’s face it, rarely are New Year’s Resolutions
fully kept. And as Christians we ought not be making “resolutions” anyway ((Jas 5:12
KJV) - "But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the
earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and [your] nay, nay; lest ye fall
into condemnation.")

Therefore my brothers and sisters, I implore you. Refrain from taking such oaths this
year. Instead, purposefully focus on increasing your walk with Christ. Instead of making
resolutions in 2010, resolve to be more resolute for Christ.

By now some of you are scratching your head and asking, ‘well, what is the difference
between making a resolution and being resolute?’. To help you understand the concept
here, let’s take a look at what the difference really is.
RESOLUTION is defined as:
1. An oath, decision or determination made.
2. The act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method,
procedure, etc.

Making a resolution is the act of swearing, or declaring under oath, (both of which we see
James 5:12 and Matt 5:33-37 speak against). Despite the best intentions, resolutions are
very often broken shortly after they’re made. Such a careless act impacts one’s
commitment to life as a Christian…remember, let your yes be yes and your no be no.
Making a resolution that will not be kept tests ones mettle as a son or daughter of God.

RESOLUTE is defined as:

1 Firm, steadfast, EARNEST 1 . 2. unwavering, undaunted

While making a resolution is something you do, being resolute is what you become.
Thus, the likelihood of success is far greater when one makes the decision to become his
promises to the Lord rather than just make one. In fact, while God’s word discourages
one from making or creating “oaths” , it does extol the virtues of being resolute (i.e.
determined)

Earnest -
(Phil 1:20 KJV) - "According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I
shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be
magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death."
--In being earnest we generate the boldness to magnify Christ in our lives (a much needed
exercise considering that Christ is supposed to be pre-eminent {1st place} in our lives
((Col 1:18 KJV) - "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the
firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.")
Steadfast –
Steadfastness in the Lord makes one more courageous, purer, faithful and more praise-
minded.
(Job 11:15 NKJV) - "Then surely you could lift up your face without spot; Yes, you
could be steadfast, and not fear;"
(Psa 51:10 NKJV) - "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit
within me."
(Psa 57:7 NKJV) - "My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and
give praise."
(1Pe 5:9 NKJV) - "Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are
experienced by your brotherhood in the world."

Firm –
Being firm in the Lord give us access to the faithful promises of Jesus Christ, which is
life everlasting thru his blood.
(Heb 3:6 KJV) - But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold
fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Unwavering –
(Jas 3:17 NASB) - "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,
reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy."
So, as 2010 is ushered in, don’t make promises you can’t keep…be the promises that the
Lord will forever keep. Be Resolute.

God Bless You and Yours…