We often make a New year's resolution and find ourselves about 10 days down the road having given up because we failed already at accomplishing what we started. Thus the problem with New Year's resolutions is that they are not attainable, and they set us up for failure from the start. Most resolutions start out with " From now on, I'm going to ....." You know the deal, "lose weight," "eat healthy," "exercise every day," "read my Bible everyday," "quit smoking." Why is it that we as imperfect people always think that starting the new year, we can change ourselves? We can't! Any attempt at changing ourselves in our own strength is doomed for failure. We end up frustrated, angry with ourselves, and depressed that we "failed" once again.
Does that mean we should just give up on "self-improvement." Well...yes, in a way. How about if we use the new year to embarq on a "God-improvement." That is to say that we allow God to work in us to improve those areas that need help. The works of the flesh will never accomplish a change from the inside out...that is God's territory, not ours. And if we're honest with ourselves, most of us need a change to happen inside in order to affect the outside, whether it's to lose the weight, eat better, exercise, or be more faithful in Bible reading.
I am challanging myself and others this new year, to be more willing to hand over our shortcomings to God. Tell Him what we need (He already know anyway), make ourselves willing to be changed by Him, and then watch Him work in our lives. THAT will be guaranteed success in the new year!
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