Resolutions
“Resolution One: I will live for God.
Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.”
~ Jonathan Edwards
The word “resolution” has become closely linked to the beginning of each new year; a time when people are prone to ponder what has passed after one year ends and speculate about what lies ahead. When negative aspects of the previous year come into view, resolutions are made to assert that the past will not control the future. In this sense of the word, Noah Webster describes a “resolution” as a “fixed purpose or determination of mind; as a resolution to reform our lives; a resolution to undertake an expedition.”1
The problem for most people is that their resolutions tend to be knee-jerk reactions. For example, a person may purchase a gym membership after witnessing their bathroom weight scale reach a catastrophic new level. They are determined to get back into shape and lose the weight that snuck up on them during the festivities of the Christmas season. But consider some of these statistics concerning gym memberships:
- 12 percent of all new gym memberships occur in January.
- 80 percent of the gym members who joined in January quit within five months.
- Four percent of the new members joining due to New Year’s resolutions quit by the end of January.
- 14 percent of the New Year’s resolutioners quit by the end of February.2
The lesson here? Resolutions require more than impulsive thoughts or actions. The Christian life, for example, is one of discipline and endurance. Each follower of Christ experiences lasting change because the Holy Spirit is continually working to transform their character. As 2 Corinthians 3:18 confirms: “…we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (ESV). Such transformative change is a gradual progression to Christlikeness; therefore, wisdom and discernment are needed when considering one’s resolutions.
Haroon, a committed believer who lives in Pakistan, deeply desires to proclaim the Gospel and see many come to Christ. Despite the risks associated with being a witnessing Christian in a nation where there is tremendous hostility towards those practising Christianity, Haroon says: “I have committed to God that I will serve Him even in hardships. I will go wherever He sends me, even to the hardest places on earth.”
Haroon’s commitment to God was not an impulsive decision, nor did he make this resolution alone. He first felt God calling him to the life of an evangelist when studying at Bible college. He then wisely sought the confirmation of Christian leaders who could advise him as he prepared for ministry. Haroon later joined a team of like-minded students who became accountable to each other in all aspects of their spiritual walk and ministry calling.
Haroon and his team moved to the northern regions of Pakistan, where over 99 percent of the population is Muslim. VOMC helped them to purchase land so they could build homes and establish a church. Amazingly, they were permitted by local authorities to build their church on the condition that the building would also be used for community functions. Despite their small numbers, the believers of this new church are actively sharing the Gospel with their Muslim neighbours, even at the risk of their own lives.
Haroon’s story should not make us feel like our resolutions are shortsighted or insignificant. However, I believe our commitments, whatever they are, must cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He leads us in the way of righteousness. For some, that may very well mean obtaining a membership at the local fitness club and getting into physical shape. For others, it may mean accepting the risks of reaching our neighbours for Christ. The challenge is not simply committing to a set of priorities and goals but daily living our lives for God in a world where many tend to pursue everything but God. If we can set our sights on fulfilling His plans, then we live not for our glory but for His.
I pray that 2024 will not be a year of failed or abandoned resolutions but one where we can discover a more profound sense of purpose and fulfillment as we anticipate our Saviour’s glorious return!
Grace and peace,
Floyd A. Brobbel
Chief Executive Officer
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada Inc.
Endnotes: 1 WebstersDictionary1828.com/Dictionary/Resolution 2 NoobGains.com/gym-membership-statistics
