Recently I noticed a new stain in our carpet and said to myself, “I need to spray some Resolve on that.” And then I thought, wouldn’t it be great if resolve was that easy to come by? Got a temptation? Spray on some resolve. Need to persevere? Spray on some resolve.
Unfortunately, you can’t buy life resolve in a bottle. In fact, “spray-on resolve” is an oxymoron. The very action of “resolve” consists of gritty words like determined, earnest, purposeful. Resolve doesn’t come easy, which brings us to the season we are approaching, the season of New Year’s resolutions, which, when you think about it, is our version of spray-on resolve. But it doesn’t work. Our resolutions last about a week, or a month at most. So maybe this is the year we all resolve to not take resolutions lightly.
The idea of resolutions derives pretty much from secular practices, but Scripture does contain a few scenes of resolution, or more accurately, moments of resolve. So, if you’re looking for a resolution with some biblical heft, or maybe you’d like your resolution to take on more of a look of a revitalized spiritual life, check out these resolutions as seen in Scripture.
- Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20)
Enemy armies were amassing. An overwhelming onslaught was imminent. The people looked to Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, for decisive leadership. So Jehoshaphat, with armies breathing down his neck, made a bold, evasive move showing brave leadership…he committed to pray. He resolved to inquire of the Lord. Check out 1 Chronicles 20 to see how things came out for Jehoshaphat. As you read, ask how you could make the same resolution in similar circumstances.
Making a Jehoshaphat resolution:
Be it resolved that I will live a life that inquires of the Lord. I will make Him a part of my decisions and trust Him to enter into my situations.
- Daniel (Daniel 1)
Nebuchadnezzar had taken the nation of Judah captive. And in true fashion of Babylonian conquest, he imported the best and brightest from Judah into Babylon and its culture. Daniel, however, one of the best and brightest from Judah, resolved not to be defiled by the king’s food, opting to eat veggies and water instead.
Making a Daniel Resolution:
Some choose to copy Daniel’s diet of veggies and water as a resolution, but Daniel’s resolution goes much deeper than food. So, be it resolved that I will not let my heart and mind be corrupted by the dirt (or food) of the culture. My actions will be different. I will not be taken in by things that chip away at our faith; I will trust God for the outcome.
- Malachi (Malachi 2)
When the Babylonians were conquered by the Persians, the Jews were allowed to return to their land. God used special messengers (prophets) to send special messages during this time. Through one of these prophets, Malachi, God implored the priests, as they lead the people in settling back into the land, that they, above all, honor His name.
Making a Malachi Resolution:
Be it resolved that I will honor the Lord’s name. I will not be a follower of God in name only. My actions, both private and public, will match the actions expected of believers as put forth in God’s Word. I will not “play” church and seek to get by with talking a good game.
- Paul (1 Corinthians 2)
Early in his first letter to Corinth Paul was contrasting the lofty, but inferior, wisdom of the world with the simple, yet superior, wisdom of God. To keep himself immersed in the wisdom of God, Paul resolved to know nothing but Christ crucified. For him, the message of the gospel carried its own power. It didn’t need his flowery words or creative wisdom. In fact, those things would get in the way.
Making a Paul Resolution:
Be it resolved that I want to know nothing but Christ crucified. Everything I do in ministry needs to come out of my personal experience with Jesus’ crucifixion.
- Jesus (Luke 9)
There was a moment in the gospel of Luke when the countdown began for the chain of events that led to Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension. Luke 9:51 says “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” His time in Jerusalem would be fraught with betrayal, denial, blood-sweating pleading with God, and a tortuous death. Yet, Jesus resolutely set out on this perilous journey.
Making a Jesus Resolution:
Be it resolved that I will not take the easy, expedient way in walking with God. True discipleship will be costly. I will resolutely walk that path.
So, while we can’t get resolve out of a bottle, we can get it out of a Book. Maybe these examples from God’s Word can give you something to aspire to in making resolutions for 2016, or more powerfully, setting your resolve for life.
You may want to check out these additional tools for your resolution pleasure:
Small-Group Bible Study Devotional: Be It Resolved
Video Devotional: A brief personal Bible study on the scenes above