Resolutions for the New Year

By Johnny Hester

 

    Stress and pressure are building. The year 2021 will soon be history. My wife, Linda, still hasn’t told me what my New Year’s Resolutions are. But I’m not going to worry about it.

    It momentarily occurred to me that perhaps I should resolve to give up all my annoying habits for 2019. Then I remembered my high school coach years ago telling me: “No one respects a quitter.” An obvious dilemma, but I’m not going to worry.

    For multitudes of people, deciding to develop a healthier lifestyle is a common resolution with which to begin the New Year. However, to my pleasant surprise my annual yearend physical indicates that my weight is perfect. However, it seems that in height I am approximately 9 inches too short. My carefully considered response is, in the words of one of my all-time favorite philosophers, Alfred E. Neuman: “What—Me Worry?” After all, years ago I memorized the New King James Version of Jesus’ question in Matthew 6:27, “Which of you, by worrying, can add one cubit to his stature?” So, worrying would be a waste of time.

     Now—if you hear a grinding noise, it’s my brain trying to switch gears. On a more serious level it should be observed that there is a difference between profitless anxiety and legitimate concern. Worrying about things over which we have no control brings frustration to the mind and negativity to the spirit. On the other hand, legitimate concern—if rightly directed—can produce noble resolutions and significant improvements in the life one lives.

    In Proverbs chapter six God warns us about the folly of indolence, discourages procrastination and commends to us the wisdom of acting with resolve and energy in our own best interest.

          Go to the ant, you sluggard!

           Consider her ways and be wise,

          Which, having no captain,

           Overseer or ruler,

          Provides her supplies in the summer,

           And gathers her food in the harvest.

          How long will you slumber, O sluggard?

           When will you rise from your sleep?

          A little sleep, a little slumber,

           A little folding of the hands to sleep —

          So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,

           And your need like an armed man.

    The Lord willing, this Sunday morning I plan to share some worthwhile information from the Word of God that will help us to develop a proper perspective regarding the future. Linda and I are thankful for you all—our spiritual family at Matthews—and as always, we joyfully anticipate being with you for Bible study and worship.

- Johnny Hester preaches for the Matthews Church of Christ in Matthews, MO. He may be contacted at johnnyhester@yahoo.com