Does anybody like New Year’s resolutions?
I normally don’t make them because I know how they work - in one ear and out the other. There is something healthy about striving to be better though.
Peter essentially said that in one of his letters to the churches in the first century.
“…make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”
2 Peter 1:5–7 (NIV)
Instead of making resolutions each new year and then disappointing myself on Jan. 2, I strive to live out daily what Peter said. I don’t get it right all the time. Far from it. I must remind myself often to “make every effort to add” these things to my character, as I cooperate with Jesus. The goal is to grow in my capacity to love. It’s not natural for me. Like most human beings, I tend to view the world through the lens of my life, meaning I naturally see myself as the main character in, not only my story, but yours as well. That’s a recipe for bad relationships. That’s why I need to “make every effort.” It doesn’t come naturally - for any of us.
Let’s remind ourselves each day, not just New Year’s Day, to make every effort to cooperate with God to become the best version of ourselves, one who loves as Jesus loved. He gave himself to us completely so we could experience his hope, peace, joy, and love in relationship with him and with each other.
