On Making and Keeping New Year's Resolutions - Not!

Pastoral Pondering
by Pastor Keith Larson

Every year at this time people ask about New Year’s resolutions. “What are going to be your New Year’s resolutions?”

Well some years back I made a resolution that I have always kept since. That was to make no more New Year’s resolutions. That does not mean I have quit making goals or given up on trying to improve myself. I have a long list of things to improve or change. I want to keep trying to get more and consistent exercise and to lose more weight (I am proud that I have reduced my pant waist size from 46 to 42 in a couple of years). I always want to get out and visit more often (you can help with that by inviting me for coffee sometime – but no cookies – see above). The list could go on and on for some pages.

The beginning of a new year is probably one good time to set some new goals. Another time when we can take stock of where we have been and where we want to go is on our birthdays. Married couples can do this on the anniversary of their marriage. For me the anniversary of the beginning of our ministry together is December 1 so it coincides with the beginning of the calendar year – sort of.

The reality for Christians is that each week, each day is an opportunity to start new, start fresh. That is what we mean by the forgiveness of sins. We can begin each day fresh with a clean slate. God’s forgiveness erases away yesterday’s failures and shortcomings. Every time we as a congregation say together, “We confess that we are captive to sin … forgive us, renew us, and lead us,” we are saying we want to make some changes. Every time we hear the words, “your sins are forgiven,” or “I declare to you the entire forgiveness of your sins,” it is a new start for us. In Christian faith, each day is literally, as the old adage says, the first day of the rest of your life.

So if you choose to make the beginning of the new year as a time to take stock and resolve to make changes that is okay and fine. If you choose other times or numerous times during the year that is good too. Whenever you take stock and make resolutions consider your spiritual disciples – are you satisfied with your involvement in the Christian community? Are you satisfied with your prayer and devotional life? Are you doing what you are able in terms of service to God, family, neighbor, the world and creation?

God’s richest blessings to you at the beginning of a new year.