Resolved

We are now one week into our ‘new’ resolutions which are in all likelihood just recycled old resolutions. There was probably nothing wrong with the old ones, but another year has rolled around and possibly the old ones just didn’t materialize; we aren’t any better than before. Why?

Could it be that our approach to changing something we didn’t like about ourselves focused too much on the undesired outcomes and the causes (e.g., too fat because of too much chocolate; or didn’t read the books I wanted to because of too much television; or bills not paid down because of impulse buying, etc.) and not enough on the violated principles that govern our issues and failure to enlist the help of the resource that could help our ‘resolutions’ become ‘resolved?’

Let’s look at a couple of eternal verities, from my frame of reference, that impact upon the direction our life takes.

Jesus said to his chosen apostle Peter, “Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) Do you seriously, diligently, regularly enlist prayer to help you with the weaknesses of the flesh? Though we are often “encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me,” can we not acknowledge, as one still trying to become ‘resolved,’ that “my God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions … and he hath preserved me….He hath filled me with his love…he hath confounded mine enemies…he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge” to deal with my problems (2 Nephi 4:18-23). As the Apostle Peter said, “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations…” (2 Peter 2:9). And every Christian knows that in Jesus’ prayer to our Father He said, “and lead us not [or suffer us not to be lead] into temptation, but deliver us from evil…for thine is the kingdom and the power…” (Matt 6:13). Come unto Him and enlist his help. We can be delivered; these things can be resolved.

Finally, there must needs be opposition in all things. (2 Nephi 2:11, 14-16) Recognize it. Again quoting Peter, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you…” (1 Peter 4:12). The apostle Paul, likewise, enjoined us to “endure afflictions” (2 Timothy 4:5), meaning, I think, to stay engaged in the struggle.

Indeed, the bottom line in life’s instruction book is that “[We] must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).

Overcoming the resistance and ungodly opposition is the essence of the great personal victory in life. Let us at the last say with Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…and not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing” (i.e., who love his coming to redeem us and give us opportunity for the more abundant life) (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

So be it. Resolved.