20For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 21And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.  2 Corinthians 1:20-22

Dilemma: Goals or Resolutions or Not at all?

Some of my friends are resolved in 2014 to not make resolutions.  They make goals instead.  And then there’s the crowd that’s resolved not even to make a goal!  The benefit of setting goals is well-studied.  Make them, break them down, and set out on a path of improvement. I’m all for it.

The New Vision Created by The Gospel

But the Gospel does not begin with a vision of self-improvement. The Gospel begins with a vision of Jesus showing us who God is.  God does not start with a vision of making us better.  God starts with a vision of Jesus glorified in our lives and in all creation.  God’s word for us is not one of self-perfecting in order to gain presence and peace. His Word is life through His Son. So now even the promises of God find their “Yes,” their possibility, their fulfilment, in Jesus.

And now through Him we can say “Yes” or “Amen” for His glory with not just our mouth but also our very lives. He has made it possible through the work of the Cross and the gift of His Spirit. I believe the apostles were saturated with the Gospel reality expressed in 2 Corinthians 1:20-22.

For His Glory

So my dilemma. Its the New Year. Its time to declare my resolve and make some goals. The Gospel sets me on a path of growth, not in order “to get God to like me,” that would be religion. The Gospel sets me on a path of growth for the glory of Jesus in my life. Now my desire for each year is that somehow by His grace I would be like Jesus in character, attitude and action. Now I trust Him, that even in my weaknesses the greatness of Jesus will be displayed.

Goal: this speaks to my effort to achieve. I will make bite sized goals about every six to nine weeks.

Resolution: this speaks to the over-arching desire of my heart.

Live the Yes

I am making a resolution for 2014: Live the Yes.

By the grace and power of God keep saying “Yes” to Jesus.

What’s your resolution for 2014?