Life & Living: It's not too late!
I'm referring, of course, to those New Year resolutions which, like taxes, come around annually, putting demands on our lives whether we want them to or not. By the time you read this, it will be well past the parties, balloons, and confetti in Times Square, and maybe the idea of resolutions slipped by you (again). Or maybe you have a list and are working on them! Is that nuisance relative back on your mind this year, or perhaps your determination (again) to keep your cool in traffic? If you are like me, by February the resolutions, no matter how lofty they sounded at first, will have bitten the dust for 2007. There is one possible exception, however. I can recommend eight resolutions that have teeth in them. These are the real thing…and you will have constant help to keep them in mind and actually pull them off. Interested?
Based on what I see on television, most people seem satisfied to stay on the surface of life. Really now, what good is a resolution like this: This year I will buy a bigger car than I have? Or, perhaps, this year I will take off one pound a month. (Ummm. I had better think about that.) But the resolutions I recommend begin with some issues you may never have considered before. Well, read them and see what you think.
Resolution #1: I will admit it when I do wrong and will ask for forgiveness.
Resolution #2: I will pray for my country, especially when it does wrong.
Resolution #3: I will trust God at all times.
Resolution #4: I will pray and read the Bible every day.
Resolution #5: I will be merciful toward those who do wrong to me.
Resolution #6: I will help others without prejudice.
Resolution #7: I will be a person of peace, not violence.
Resolution #8: I will stand up for what is right, regardless of the cost.
What do you think? This I can promise you, if you make these resolutions your aim, and really put your energy into them, you will be rewarded for it. That's right! I did not put the rewards in the list. You can read all about them in Matthew 5: 1-12. Oh, and you will have help in the doing of them because taken all together these resolutions are beyond your ability. Matthew also tells you who will help you.
So you see it's not too late. Copy these resolutions and put them someplace where you will see them regularly. Who knows, 2007 may be your most peaceful, most happy ... most blessed year yet!
Jerry Mercer
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