just one resolution.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
– 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

We all make resolutions to run daily, lose weight, get up earlier, study longer, read the Bible more often. And then we never keep them.

What earthly resolutions look like:

• Figuring out what I want to do with my life, and going through the motions to ensure that I’m happy
• Playing well for worship band so that I won’t embarrass myself in front of hundreds of college kids
• Developing my character so that a guy will want to pursue me
• Trying to be nice to the family myself just so I can let the days pass quicker and get away from them sooner

Fact of the matter is: it is NOT about us. It is, always will be, and always should be ALL about Him. The issue at hand is whether or not we choose to embrace that inescapable fact.

How about maintaining the simple lifelong resolution that we should all have: relentlessly pursuing Christ?

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

Paul has the right idea: simply and wholly following Christ. Replace the “for I resolved” with “This year, I resolve”. Take that, and see where it takes you.

Changing resolutions to make them all about Christ will alter the whole outlook:

• Sitting down to figure out what God is calling me to do, and pursuing that no matter my reluctance
• Forgetting what others think of me, and playing with the band in such a way that lights hearts on fire for the Lord and brings them closer to Him
• Focusing on God so much that a guy realizes that he has to get closer to the Lord before he can even think about pursuing me
• Asking God to love the family through me, so that they may come to know Christ

Turns out quite different. Much better, and much more fulfilling. But it’s more than a resolution for just this year – rather, it’s keeping in mind at all times who Jesus is and what He has done for us. And taking that fact and using it to further His kingdom and glorify the only one who deserves to be glorified. Because that will give us so much more satisfaction than being able to say that we lost a few pounds throughout the year. Pursuing Christ is about understanding His eternal promise, not sitting back and resolving to accomplish something within the world.