In my personal opinion I think the idea of a “New Year’s Resolution” is not fully understood.  I would even offer it is something we say or share with others in the hopes that we somehow fit in.

The first thing to do here is to look at the word “Resolution”.  According to Merriam-Webster it says: “to declare or indicate in advance; especially: foretell on the basis of observation, experience, or scientific reason.  The intransitive verb is: to make a prediction”.

So if we take the word at its base meaning we are attempting to foretell the future based upon our own observations, experiences or perceptions.  If this is true and we are human, then that means that most of us are intelligent enough to admit when we are wrong and where we need to change or adjust.

If we simply make a statement towards change, does that mean we will change?  It might if we were to simply understand that for humans change is not an easy task.  Basically we literally have to change our habits to make our “Resolutions” work.  I don’t know about you, but I do not have a crystal ball or special powers that tell me if I will even live until tomorrow.

What I do know is that with and through God anything is possible if we commit ourselves to it.  My suggestion is to change the way we look at making the “New Year” better and to do this we have to remove the idea of making a “New Year’s Resolution”.  Instead make defined and well thought out commitments to ourselves and to each other.

Commitment usually starts with understanding that putting ourselves first should not be on the list; rather, how does it benefit those around me?  Have you ever noticed how good you feel when you put someone else first or when you do something nice for someone and a smile forms on your face?

Remember, Christ made a commitment to fulfill God’s promise; not an empty resolution with no substance or foundation.  Jesus used all of God’s Word found in the Torah to prove his point towards His commitment, not only to God, but to all of us.  So commit to yourselves to be honest towards change and it will be honest with you.