When I was in high school, I worked in the local supermarket of a small town in east Texas. Working my way through the positions of bagger, stocker and finally cashier, I learned the ins and outs of the grocery business. Though I had much fun and enjoyed the people, there was one job I loathed – the annual inventory.
Each year on December 31st, the store was closed at noon so we could begin the process and count every single item on the shelves, as well as the store’s fixtures. There were literally thousands of items, which were also dusted and properly re-placed on the shelves. The purpose of the inventory was that we might assess our products and know the company’s net worth. Items that had not sold, became outdated or damaged were discarded. New items quickly took the place of things that were unproductive.
Most of us, at the beginning of a new year, take an inventory of our life. We assess the things that are bad or unproductive and resolve to do away with them. However, resolutions that are easily made are not easily kept. Keeping the resolutions that we make often take much effort, and sometimes are at great cost and sacrifice.
Most often the New Year’s resolutions we make involve eating less and exercising more. We might either join a gym (which we quickly ignore), or purchase the latest fad-driven exercise equipment, which eventually become a clothes rack before being placed in a garage sale.
Our resolutions should not just involve temporal or earthly things, but also that which is spiritual. Outward beauty fades with time, but inward beauty is eternal and results in a changed life.
A New Year’s Resolution might be resolving to spend more time in prayer and Bible study. These two acts can revolutionize our life. Memorizing Scripture is something else we should resolve to do because, as the psalmist said, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).
Along with the study and memorization of Scripture is the need for prayer; not only as we petition the Father for our daily needs, but that we might also seek His direction and guidance in our life. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews encourages us, saying: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)
God wants us to depend upon Him, for in doing so He meets each need by His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Some resolutions we make are ridiculous and impossible to keep. But the resolution to draw closer to God in prayer and to feed upon His word are worthy of our keeping because they can literally transform our life.
Have a blessed and prosperous New Year! Pastor Jerry L. Dunn, Oak Street Baptist Church
