Resolution in the Crosshairs

The time for making New Year's Resolutions is fast approaching.  And, of course, somewhere between two days and two weeks is the time to give up on those resolutions.  Ever wonder why?  Why is it that most people fail so miserably so quickly after their resolve to make the change they want to see in the new year?

While not the whole reason, a central factor is that a resolution quickly becomes a focused issue and as such tends to be in the crosshairs.  Everything seems to revolve around it and it looms up as larger than life and all of its challenges seem to take on a life of their own.  Losing weight requires eating less but the new year brings new stresses that call for more eating.  Now that you can't have that cheesecake, it looks better than ever and everyone is suddenly serving cheesecake.  People start bringing cheesecake to the office and your mother gave you a cheesecake of the month membership for Christmas.  Well, you reason, there's always next year...

The focus and the extra felt pressure, however stress inducing, are not the true reason we give in and give up on our resolutions.  The problem that leads to the collapse of a resolution is the lack of resolve.  Making a resolution is little more than stating a wish or announcing what you would like to happen.  But having resolve is an inward fortitude that is prepared to take on all comers, even the cheesecake of the month membeship.

In 1 Corinthians 2:2, Paul said, "For I am resloved to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."  Despite losing his position on the Council, giving up his practice of law, rejection by his family, imprisonmentt, beatings, and stonings, he never wavered.  His resolution became the central focus of his enemies' attacks but there was never a thought of turning back.

In Matthew 16:21, Jesus announces his resolve to go to Jerusalme despite knowing that there he would "suffer and die."  Immdiately, people tried to talk him out of it.  Even the apostle Peter strongly proclaimed, "Never, Lord,!  This shall never happen to you!" (v. 22).  But Jesus was resolved and he did go and his did die only to be raised again.

Resolutions may always be in the crosshairs but resolve is not motivated by self-preservation but by accomplishing the mission.  Resolve will walk through hell to arrive at its goal of heaven.  Resolvve doesn't entertain notions of defeat or negoitiate terms of surrender.  When resolve comes from the empowerment of Godd, it continues on the course set before it until it reaches its goal.  Jus' Sayn.