Maybe that feeling stems from my tendency to create resolutions that are far beyond my ability to reach with any consistent success. . . I do recognize that its ok to fail, and that creating a resolution is simply putting feet on good intentions, but it is still quite frustrating to be continually reminded that some things just might never change.
I think the other frustrating thing about New Year's resolutions is that they tend to pull all of our focus inward toward ourselves. Our resolutions are about us; how to lose weight or gain weight, how to build up our savings account, find a boyfriend, get a job or get through a whole year without missing one single day of Bible reading.
Not that any of those things are bad. It is good to be healthy and pursue wisdom in how we live our lives. But I think that when the ball drops at midnight there might be something greater for us to imagine. . . I think the journey might get way more exciting if our goals moved from personal development to world change.
Now, I know what you're thinking. If I can't manage to read my bible everyday how on earth do I plan on changing the world? Simple.
My resolution becomes about God's plans for this world and not my own. My goals change from being a better person to living more like Jesus. The results are much the same, but the motivation is completely different. When we long to be molded into the image of Christ rather than simply becoming better people, or focus is usually on God's big picture rather than our own small story.
The greater motivation for changing our lives (and consequently changing the world) comes when we see the hundreds (and thousands and millions!) of people around us who desperately need someone to paint a more accurate picture of Jesus.
So, that is my resolution this year. I want to know Jesus better and be brave enough to actually live like him. It is going to take a whole lot of guts, and it will require some letting go of things I really like. . . But when the countdown begins at the end of 2010, I will be way more excited to look back on a year where I lived recklessly and passionately like Jesus - loving the lepers, giving generously to the poor, and bringing hope and healing to the lost - than I would looking back on a year where I gained 5 lbs, did a devo every morning, and exercised with marginal faithfulness.
That, friends, is my plan for changing the world. Now, I'm just going to have to get on my knees and beg my God to begin by changing me.
Here's to making 2010 one wild and crazy ride. . . are you with me?
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