New Year's Resolutions
Two Things:
1. I hear fellow Christians all the time talk about how New Year’s Resolutions are dumb and pointless.
2. It is apparent to me that we totally over-spiritualize the process of applying ourselves.
There is a big difference between trying to force life to give you want you want, and working hard to become the very best version of yourself.
In the Bible, when King Saul was looking for a personal aide to attend to him, one of his servants came back to him with a report about a possible candidate. This appointment was what God used to promote the next King of Israel.
Here was the description of the candidate:
-He was second to none in the area that he was known for (music)
-He had a reputation of being a man of deep convictions who showed courage and strength in the way he lived.
-He had become accustomed to the training and disciplining of his body and mind; pushing himself in the ways of overcoming challenges and obstacles.
-He was wise and prudent in his words. He was a student of wisdom and understanding.
-He was good looking! Yes, the young man’s appearance showed that he valued himself and the way that he looked.
The passage is in 1 Samuel 16: 18. Read it for yourself and really think about the reputation that he had.
This young man was known for his work in growing and developing himself; things he did on purpose. Things that God couldn’t or wouldn’t do for him.
We know him now as King David, one of the most influential people of salvation history. In each one of the areas that was reported to King Saul, David had decided to apply himself without any spotlight or notoriety. He didn’t wait to become King to start applying himself.
Don’t wait to get “there” to start applying yourself, or else you’ll never get “there.”
Make your mind up to become the person that will be able to walk in the things that God has called you to. You can’t make your destiny happen, but you can do your part, which is right here, right now.
So if you are desiring to better yourself, go for it! A diet, an exercise program, and goals for how to better use your time can absolutely be honoring to God and to the future He has for you.