It’s that time of year when people make resolutions, only to see them fade away in the days which follow. This does not mean that all resolutions are worthless, but when it comes to our resolve in spiritual matters, we should take this seriously. The wisest man, Solomon, said, “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; for He has no pleasures in fools. Pay what you have vowed—better not to vow than to vow and not pay” (Eccl. 5:4-5). Look at the resolve of three godly men in the Bible.
Personal resolutions. Who would have ever seen Saul of Tarsus, who became the great apostle Paul, as a prospect for conversion? Who would have ever seen him as the author of half of the New Testament books? Yet, God does not see as man sees, for man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). What was it that God saw that others could not see? Perhaps the answer is found in a resolution Paul made early in his life. He said, “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward man” (Acts 24:16). What a noble resolution the apostle made. Is this one you should make?
Family resolutions. Every godly parent is concerned about the spiritual welfare of every member of the family. Look at the resolution one godly father made. The Jews had entered the land God promised He would give to them. Joshua had successfully led the nation and the land had been taken. He called Israel together and challenged them to make a life changing decision about the future of the new nation.
Joshua presented two choices before them. They could worship the idols in the land they had taken or they could choose to serve God. He then expressed his resolution about his family. “Fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in truth. . .choose you this day whom you will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:14-15). Is this resolution one you should make for your family?
Broken resolutions. What do you do when you have made promises to God and have failed to live up to them. There was that disciple who expressed his resolve to the Lord when he said, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You” (Matt. 26:35). Yet, he did deny him. His resolution did not become reality. Fortunately, this is not the end of the story. Less than two months after uttering these words and then cursing and swearing that he did not even know Jesus, he stood before the Jewish nation and preached on Pentecost. What a great story!
Think about it. Are there promises you need to make to the Lord. Even if you have failed before, He can still use you!