Resolution or Resignation?

1 Corinthians 2:2 “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

Happy New Year!

I wonder how the year ahead is looking for you? Maybe you’ve made a few New Year’s resolutions, maybe not. I remember one year breaking my major resolution within minutes of the New Year kicking in. It was deeply depressing. I felt useless and discouraged. I gave up and resigned myself to failing in that area.

The naysayers will declare it’s the same for you. They will say that you can try to make some resolutions, and you’ll probably have given up within a month at best, but can then plan on trying again during Lent a few weeks after that! Aargh! Resolution, or resignation?

Paul went to the Corinthians ‘in weakness and fear’ (v3), but his resolution involved knowing ‘Jesus Christ and him crucified’ (v2). He knew how weak he was, and that he would mess up, but he also knew how strong Jesus was, and how Jesus took our mess on him.

Jesus wants a relationship with you this year. We all know the following it true, but it’s worth hearing again:

For a relationship to be healthy and growing, there has to be a commitment to regular two-way communication.

So don’t resign yourself to failing this year. No, resolve to get to know Jesus better. Don’t set unattainable goals, but know that he is with you from your morning ablutions through work and play to bedtime. Share the highs and lows with him. That’s what a real relationship is about. And maybe these short readings can be a part of that journey for you. Go for it!

Lord Jesus, I resolve to get to know you better this year. I won’t resign myself to spiritual drudgery, so help me to spend time with you each day. Amen!