"A Spiritual Resolution"

Dr. Dorothy J. Haire

One website listed the top ten New Year’s resolutions as

1. lose weight,

2. quit smoking,

3. stress less,

4. drink more water.

5. eat healthier,

6. read more,

7. make time for family,

8. travel more,

9. get organized, and

10. save more money (not necessarily in this order). 

If you made a New Year’s resolution, is yours listed? How are you doing so far? If you are not being as consistent as you want it may be because you are thinking too big, not really, ready to change, or do not have a “why” to sustain your decision(s). Do you identify with one of these reasons for not meeting your goal? 

Whether you made a New Year’s resolution or not, may I suggest one that is foolproof? It is not so big you will feel overwhelmed or be reluctant to change. And the “why” will sustain your resolution(s) all year long. Here is my suggestion:

Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17, Amplified Bible).

You will see more of your resolutions manifested If you resolve to please God as you go about your day.Let me give you two examples:

Example One

Your last physical examination revealed a need for a healthier diet. But your grocery cart is filled with your usual snacks (candy, ice cream, cookies, soda). Please God by taking care of His temple (your body) and exchange half of your snacks for fruit, herbal teas, flavored waters, sherbet, or sorbet. Depend on him to help you make more exchanges each grocery trip and by the end of the year you will have completed three resolutions: drink more water, eat healthier, and lose weight. 

Example Two

You received a huge bonus on your job. Your first thought is to join your friends on a relaxing trip to Aruba. After all, one of your resolutions is to travel more. May I suggest that before you commit to them, commit to God because He can and will bless you. “Bring all the tithes (the tenth) into thestorehouse, so that there may befood in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it” (Malachi 3:10). Tithe first in the name of Jesus, give God thanks in advance, and watch your bonus be more than enough for your trip.



Wanting to please God with all your words and deeds is not thinking too big. And if you are really, ready for a change(s) in your life, make God your “why.” He will sustain your decision(s) and bless you abundantly above all you could ask or think.