“A New Year's Resolution”

Pastor Mark A. Callister

          Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution?  Have you ever made a bold statement at the beginning of the year and then tried to live by it? I never have.  I once made a Mid-Year resolution.  I resolved to only eat one sandwich when lunchtime rolled around.  I thought to myself, “This is one easy thing that I can do to help combat my slowing metabolism and my expanding waistline.”  My resolve worked quite well until about three days later I found myself extremely hungry at lunchtime and one sandwich didn’t quite satisfy.  My resolve lasted about three days.  I know how hard it is to make a resolution and follow through.  Even so, let me encourage you to make a resolution for the New Year.

          In the Old Testament book of Daniel, chapter 6, is the story of the Lion’s Den.  Daniels’ enemies desired him out of the way so they plotted to have him discredited and removed from office.  They knew the only way they could ever find to have him removed was to trap him in his faithful worship of his God.  So they set a trap that, “Anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions’ den.” Daniel ignored the decree, went home and prayed.  “Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.”

          Here is the simple resolution I want you to consider making,  “I will go to church on Sunday.” 

          Make a resolution and stick with that resolution until it becomes a habit.  Daniel had a habit of praying and giving thanks to God.  It was a good habit and it served him well.  Make a good resolution, stick with that resolution until it becomes a good habit.  Your life will be better for it.

          Finally, go make yourself a couple of sandwiches and think about what you have just read and I will see you on Sunday.