The Resolution of Resolve

Without much exaggeration, there are probably thousands of blogs, sermons, editorials, etc. being written on resolutions at the start of the New Year.  However, resolutions are meaningless if absent from their making is resolve. In fact, I would propose that little can be accomplished in a person’s life without it.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul states he “is [resolved] to know nothing-except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”  I find this interesting for a man who was well versed in Greek philosophy and the culture of his time.  He may not have been eloquent in speech or pleasant to look at (Paul’s assessment, not mine), but one thing was for sure…he was disciplined, intelligent and could hold his own in a philosophical debate.

With so many apparent natural strengths, Paul had much to stand on.  But with all his intellect, he resolved to stand solely on his knowledge of Jesus.

Why is this imperative?  So “we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.”  Wisdom of man is acquired with relative ease.  Wisdom from God cannot be sought out apart from Him.  Rather, we must be resolved to know Him solely, intimately, and fervently.  Such resolve to know Him cannot be overcome.

For most followers of Christ, none of what I have written serves as any great epiphany.  And while the concept of “resolve” isn’t new to most, it is easily given up.  We easily lose our footing when we waver in our resolve to know Him.

I may not make any resolutions this year, but I strive to position myself to remain steadfast in my resolve.  Making resolutions with no resolve becomes simply a tradition…fun for a moment, but soon abandoned.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)