Saturday, December 28, 2013

Keep your New Years Resolution? Here's how!

Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV)

Every year the hot topic between Christmas and New Years is "New Years Resolutions". I'm not a great fan, although I have made some resolutions. I always debate wether I should make a resolution. Just as popular as making resolutions is breaking them. I think most people have great intentions, but our weaknesses keep us from following through. Weight loss is the most popular New Years resolution. The next nine in the top ten are: quit smoking, learn something new, eat a healthier diet, get out of debt, spend more time with family, travel to new places, be less stressed, volunteer, and drink less. This is a noble list and most of us could comit to them. But, by the time February rolls around, they are all forgotten.

So, how do you keep a resolution? The American Psychological Association recommends three tips at keeping your resolutions:

1) tackle one behavior at a time
2) tell everyone about your resolutions
3) don't beat yourself up if you falter along the way

Good advice! Now let's try it on this resolution:

"Love The Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind!"

If you take the advice, this should be a doable New Years resolution. Start simply by praying to God each day.  Do a daily bible study? It doesn't need to take a lot of time. Electronically you can have it sent do your phone! Share your new resolutions with everyone you know, but pick out someone to keep you accountable. Lastly, if you miss a day, don't panic, pick it right up and keep the resolution going. I really recommend to send yourself reminders often! 

After time goes by, the time with God will be a key part of your day. Loving The Lord means spending time with him and getting to know him. It's up to you! Love The Lord you God!

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