A new year has begun. For many, this means resolutions, diets and budgets to rebound from the previous year's shortcomings.
Isn't it funny that New Years is supposed to be a way to start over and begin fresh, but the first thing we do is set goals that reflect our past? We focus on all the things we want to fix, but what about what God wants us to fix? Are they the same? Will the resolutions you've set honor God?
Proverbs 16:1-3 says, The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.
We have a way of justifying our intentions and desires. 'I'm going to eat this cookie now, but I'll go for a walk later,' or, ' If I accidentally sleep in on Sunday, I'll listen to the Christian radio station on my way to work.'
We advocate the things we do, but, if they aren't so bad after all, why are we so sure to make up for them? Because, 'the Lord weighs the spirits.' That's your conscience speaking. That's God in the back of your mind saying, 'uh-uh', you know what you're doing is wrong.
If your heart is right with God and you truly seek ways in which to serve him, God will help you. He will be there to guide you and support you in the decisions you make.
So ask yourself, are your new year's resolutions tugging at your conscience? Are you looking for ways to justify them? If so, maybe its time to reconsider your resolutions.
Other related scripture: Psalms 37:5, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 6:33
