New Year Resolutions

Here we are again, the last day of the year.  This is a time when many people make New Year resolutions.  As the holidays come to an end people head to the gym to try to get back in shape for the upcoming year and for many it is a time of dieting, getting out the scale, checking their weight and counting calories.  I think from Thanksgiving until now I have put on at least five pounds myself with all the cookies, fudge and other things I have eaten.

New Year resolutions vary covering many areas of our lives.  The problem is that many are never kept; many vows are made but never followed through with.  Losing weight and dieting is, for the most part, a good thing but should be done on a steady basis, as a lifestyle, along with most of the New Year resolutions that are made.  But sadly we lose our desire to keep them and give up far short of our goals which can cause discouragement and guilt feelings.  There is something about the Christmas season that brings out a lot of good intentions but unless followed through with, good intentions accomplish very little.

New Year resolutions are a universal problem that affects believers and non-believers alike, and the outcome seems to be the same in many cases which is failure.  It seems to me that it is better for a believer to just do what they intend to do without making a vow or a promise, in certain situations, and then if they fall short they will not feel condemned.

Read what it says in Matthew 5:33-37, “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”

Oaths and vows were common in Jesus’ day but Jesus told His followers not to use them; their word alone should be enough.  In our culture, with all the lying that goes on, we may feel when we make a statement we have to back it up with a promise, but promises are not necessary if we are truthful, our yes or no should be sufficient.  Many times we use oaths or vows when we don’t need to especially as believers.  If your intentions are to do something, try your best to do it but if you fail you won’t have to beat yourself up over the condemnation you feel because of the vow or promise you made.

Read what it says in James 5:12, “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No,’ lest you fall into judgment.”

People that are given to exaggeration or lying are not trusted, but believers should not be like that.  No, believers should have a reputation of integrity so vows and promises shouldn’t be necessary in most of their dealings with others.  I have heard this said, “A man is only as good as his word.”  I have given you something to think about and I hope it has been a help.  May the good Lord bless you and yours and may you have a great day and don’t forget to praise and thank the Lord!!