IRRESOLUTE RESOLVE

From My Perspective - - -

Approaching a new calendar year allows one an opportunity to review the accomplishments of the past year and the continuing aspirations in the New Year. Goals and plans are commendable IF they are conjoined with motivation, determination, purpose and commitment. The title of this Blog is obviously an oxymoron (a combination of words that have opposite or very different meanings). If or when a person is irresolute, it is because of a hesitancy to press forward with a goal or task. It becomes too easy to second-guess a resolve, direction or proposal. One becomes uncertain in terms of an action or whether to proceed at all. Sir Walter Scott is alleged to have said: “To the timid and hesitating everything is impossible because it seems so.” However, there are times and events when it is advisable to pause and to measure the cost and likelihood of success before proceeding. Golda Meir is alleged to have reflected: “A Leader who doesn’t hesitate before he sends his nation into battle is not fit to be a leader.” A reckless “leader” is a considerable risk to himself and the world.

Almost everyone alive has made some resolution of some sort in terms of a worthy goal or purpose. That which stands between success and failure is commitment and discipline. An uncommitted and/or undisciplined individual will inevitably experience more failures than successes. It may not have anything to do with ones abilities or skills. It is the self-imposed follow-through that will result in achievement. John Maxwell is one of the most outstanding speakers on the subject of Leadership. One of his emphases regarding success is: “Competence goes beyond words. It’s the leader’s ability to say it, plan it, and do it in such a way that others know that you know how – and know that they want to follow you.” Note the emphasis on the word competence. The loftiest ideals and goals can never be fully attained if one lacks the competence to accomplish them. He also offers this sage advice: “A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.”

The Bible contains some great illustrations of resolve. In Joshua 24:14-15, Joshua lays before the people the obvious choice they should make. Regardless of their choice, Joshua states his unequivocal commitment, purpose and resolve: “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness…choose this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

In Matthew 6:24, as Jesus is declaring His Sermon on the Mount, He lays before His disciples and followers a necessary choice in terms of faith and practice: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” The matter of choice and decision is an absolute stated by Jesus and it demands calls for commitment, purpose and resolve – God or someone/something else.

The Apostle Paul faced the considerations and priorities for his life and stated them in Philippians 3:12-14. He has previously stated his strong desire to know Christ in the greatest way possible. He then adds: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” He states his determination and voices the necessary discipline to attain this most worthy goal.

Lastly, The Apostle Paul states criteria for each one who professes to be a follower of Jesus Christ. In I Thessalonians 5:12-24 he lists 15 Goals and Commitments one should be willing to establish for his/her life:"(1) respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. (2) Live in peace with each other. (3) Warn those who are idle, (4) encourage the timid, (5) help the weak, (6) be patient with everyone. (7) Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. (8) Be joyful always; (9) pray continually (without ceasing); (10) give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (11) Do not put out (quench) the Spirit's fire; (12) do not treat prophecies with contempt. (13) Test everything. (14) Hold on to the good. (15) Avoid every kind of evil." Set this as your goal, ambition, commitment and discipline. May God richly bless you. Consider these things with me.