We've all heard them: the New Year resolutions that people have trouble keeping:

"I'm going to lose 20 pounds." (That's mine this year!)

"No more expensive flavored coffee drinks!"

"I will quit smoking." (I wish more succeeded with this one!)

"No more mess and clutter!"

"This year I'll stick to my budget!"

and on and on and on!

I am reminded of Proverbs 19:21 which advises, "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." So, how can we be sure our resolutions align with the Lord's purposes?

Shape Up!

Sure, it's fine to want to shape up physically by exercising 30-60 minutes a day. In fact, as a physician, I strongly encourage all adults to set this goal. More importantly, however, is to consider how we shape up spiritually - not just in this New Year, but always. Our God has given us clear direction in the Bible as to how to do this. The spiritual disciplines of prayer, Bible reading and study, worship, and fellowship with one another as members of the global church are critically important to the maintenance of spiritual grounding and relationship with our Savior. Jesus commands us to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37). This commandment requires our shaping up. When we regularly "exercise" the spiritual disciplines, our lives are blessed by the peace of Christ that grows as our knowledge, faith, and connection to him grows.

Clean Up!

I admire those among us who continually keep a clean house. I have great intentions, but fail repeatedly! I simply don't make it a priority. It can be a challenge to keep our households from falling into what seems to be a default state of chaos. It's not that God dislikes order. In fact, quite the opposite! When we really examine the created world around us and marvel at its design, we clearly see a God of the utmost order! As such, God also emphasizes the importance of spiritual order in our lives. Part of the clean up process involves focusing on the care of and service to others. Jesus goes on to say, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39). Paul echoes in this challenge, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3,4). With this in mind, let's all resolve to focus this year on service to others wherever God puts us!

Blessings to you and your families as you shape up and clean up this year!

Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net, Graphics Mouse