A "New Year's Resolution" is not to be made lightly!?

 It is highly likely that anyone reading this blog has made at least one promise/vow (such as marriage, or New Years Resolution) in their lifetime thus far; perhaps even in the past few days or at least has contemplated such. It is not an off-the-wall concept to want to make commitments when we are ruled by our feelings and good intentions. However, when we do promise "this or that" no matter what it is, there will be people who count on us to fulfill such a promise. Ecclesiastes 5:5 says: " It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."  It is true that this is an Old Testament message and even though those of us who are believers are covered by the blood of Christ and not governed by Old Testament law, it still makes sense that we should honor our commitment's.

Those of us who have broken a vow, or perhaps multiple commitments (this writer included) may feel some extra conviction when it comes to the discussion of such things. We may have had every intention of following through on promises made, or we may have made a vow for fear of what might be the alternative if we did not follow through at that given time. People sometimes make commitments because the idea of an unknown alternative is somehow more daunting than the possibility of a negative outcome occurring at that time.

I speak from my own experience when I say that making a commitment should never be taken lightly, no matter what it is. I have personally made commitments for a variety of reasons, from fear, to obligation, and even as a result of manipulation by another. I assure you that to make a commitment for any reason other than because you believe it is the leading of the one true God will fall short of what God would desire for you in your life.

My heart aches not only for those who I have witnessed making choices that I know will hurt them, but I have bruises that no one can see or may ever know because of some of the promises I should never have made and then chose to break. There is always pain that can come from our choices… sometimes it can emanate further than we can imagine or consider. God forgives us for our shortcomings, if we ask, He will pick us up when we fall, He will comfort us when we fail, He will love us in spite of ourselves and what we lack... if we seek Him!

So, I encourage you as you make your promises in 2025, take care to plod lightly. Consider what God wants for you in your inner most being. What are the seeds he wants to grow in your heart, what are the seeds in other people's lives that he would hope for you to help nourish? Don't let fear hold you back from making bold choices that can bring glory to God and enrich the lives of others but also do not make choices out of fear of the unknown. At this point, I feel led simply to share a scripture with you that a lifelong friend shared with me in his signature of the first book (of many) that he wrote. Proverb 16:3 says: "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." Take this seed and plant it in your heart so that you can be a much-needed light in the world in 2025 and beyond.

Let this be your New Year's Resolution!


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