We all tend to make them. Perhaps your New Year’s resolution is to be in better shape or eat more nutritionally. Maybe it is to be a better student of God’s Word. We all have something we want to work on in the coming year.
Brother Garland Elkins had a most unique resolution. As we were at the Memphis School of Preaching, we asked Brother Elkins what was his New Year’s resolution. His statement was sage. At the time it seemed to be unattainable to me. He said, “My New Year’s Resolution for this year is to not sin.” I thought that there is no way that can be accomplished. I had failed to consider 1st Corinthians 10:13. It states the following: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (Eph. Added BH)
What I came to realize after much growth and study is that he was right! I can resist temptation and I do not have to sin. Every sin I have ever committed has been committed because I chose to sin. I was never forced to do so. Until I fully understand that I can resist and I do not have to sin, then I will continue to see that as an unwinnable fight.
In order to win this fight, I must put the needs of my Eternity as my first priority. I must put away my lust and desires for this present situation and follow His Commands. Can I do that? Well, that is a question only I can answer but to be faithful I must answer correctly.
Life is not as hard as we tend to make it. Resolve today to follow Jesus teachings and example into Eternity. You will never regret doing that.
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