At the dare of a friend, I shaved half my beard off; gives a whole new meaning to resolve, doesn’t it!? But what if this year I was as resolved as this silly approach to shaving? If I wore this year round, I think most people would wonder if there is something seriously wrong with me – “either shave it all off or grow a full beard – but that is ridiculous looking – it’s half-committed – it’s indecisive and half-hearted, ect.” Probably more would be said but I think these comments would describe the event.

And what if the following half-committed, half-hearted, indecisive resolutions described our lives? No, we don’t openly state, or even agree to these, but if we are not resolved and committed in our hearts to “look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16), then our lives will naturally gravitate towards apathy for the spiritual disciplines of the heart. In other words, if we are not intentional about spiritual growth in Christ, we might as well and go public with these kinds of resolutions for the new year:

Resolved to Read God’s Word when I get the chance, or when things get bad, or if nothing else is more important, or when I just feel I need some help.

 Resolved to Pray when I get the chance, or when things get bad, or if nothing else is more important, or when I just feel I need some help.

Resolved to Worship with the Body of Christ when I get the chance, or when things get bad, or if nothing else is more important, or when I just feel I need some help.

Resolved to nurture my relationship with Cheryl, as long as she appreciates it, meets me half way, and doesn’t make me angry.

Resolved to use my money with these priorities in mind, from the most important to the least: first, the pursuit of financing my personal pleasure, even it means spending more than I make; then, all necessary obligations and debts that if I don’t pay, someone might come and take away my possessions; then, family and friend stuff; then, if there is anything left, I’ll give to the Lord and His Mission to spread the gospel here and abroad – he’ll understand.

The good news is that in Christ, we have all the grace and strength to pursue holiness, without which, we will not see the Lord at the end of this very brief life. (Hebrews 12:14-15).