"I Am Resolved"

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8, ESV)

At the outset of 2008, let us all take a moment to make resolutions that are worthy. Not those empty promises such as we will hear continually until November, the kind that politicians make with no intention of fulfilling. Not those ordinary, meaningless, ritualistic platitudes that we repeat every New Year’s Day. This year make our resolutions not empty goals or promises, but true resolutions—determinations to accomplish something real. Read the words of the hymn writer Palmer Hartsough from the 19th century (go ahead sing them if you wish):

I am resolved no longer to linger,
Charmed by the world’s delight,
Things that are higher, things that are nobler,
These have allured my sight.

I am resolved to go to the Savior,
Leaving my sin and strife;
He is the true One, He is the just One,
He hath the words of life.

I am resolved to follow the Savior,
Faithful and true each day;
Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth,
He is the living way.

I am resolved to enter the kingdom
Leaving the paths of sin;
Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me,
Still will I enter in.


I am resolved, and who will go with me?
Come, friends, without delay,
Taught by the Bible, led by the Spirit,
We’ll walk the heav’nly way.

[Refrain]
I will hasten to Him,
Hasten so glad and free;
Jesus, greatest, highest,
I will come to Thee.

This year, let us covenant together to make just such a commitment. Not with our minds only. Not simply on a list we write down. But truly, deeply in our hearts. I am resolved . . . are you?

Father, with your help we will resolve our hearts and minds to meet more with Jesus, to trust more in Him, to walk more with Him, and to be more like Him in the coming year. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.