Resolution 101: The 2021 Version

 

Resolution 101: The 2021 Version

 

We all fall within the resolution spectrum. You may fall on the end, where you make detailed plans. I mean you know what you're going to be doing in six months, in eight months or even tomorrow at 3 p.m. You have everything planned out. Alternatively, you may be on the end that goes with the flow, you take life's moments as they come. However, the majority of us are within the spectrum, we have plans or ideas of what we want to accomplish for this year, but we are flexible with the timeline. It does not matter on which end you find yourself, what matters most is this: doing everything, the extraordinary or the mundane, for the glory of God.

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. " 1 Corinthians 10:31

We set resolutions and we make plans.  Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum and even though you may have already set your 2021 resolutions, I urge you to consider these principles and incorporate them into your resolutions.

Set Aside Time for God

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:8

When talking to a friend, we feel loved and cherished when they attentively listen to us and focus their attention on the conversation rather than glancing at the notification that just beeped on their phones. God desires and deserves our full attention. He wants to have a relationship with us, and we need to make it a priority to meet with Him regularly. Communication is a key component of every relationship and as Christians, it is from our relationship with God that everything flows. Our time with Him energizes us and gives us the wisdom we need to execute our plans based on His will. How does your resolution allow for alone time with God?

Choose Eternal Significance Over Earthly Success

“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:8 

The reality is that we live in a world that evaluates on a grading system. We study or work in one of the most prestigious schools in the world. We are evaluated on GPAs or work performance, we work hard to get good grades, we strive for 4.0. God wants us to succeed, in fact Christ came to give us abundant life. But much more than being successful, we should aim for significance, impacting this world for God’s kingdom. We should aim to use our degrees for God’s glory and for the good of humanity in whatever sphere we find ourselves. We should aspire to use our degrees to do the things that last, things that impact the lives of others. How does your educational resolution align with His kingdom agenda?

Welcome Divine Interruptions, Resist Counterfeits

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 

As we plan and go about our day, we must surrender our to-do lists and allow God to use our time as He wills. Besides, He is sovereign over lives including our to-do lists. Though we plan our schedule, we must be on the lookout for moments of divine interruptions. These are moments wherein instead of rushing to have our afternoon power naps or exercises, God would have us linger around zoom or class for a little bit to love on our neighbors, to ask this particular classmate how they are doing and really mean it. To offer help on a tough assignment or simply check in on a friend we have not heard from a long time. To welcome divine interruptions, we must resist counterfeits. Instead of checking our social media notifications whenever they beep, let's set aside specific time to check them and afterwards turn off all notifications. When we do this, we leave enough room to be interrupted and overflow Christ’s love to others. What are your strategies to resist counterfeits to make enough room for divine interruptions?

Welcome back and Happy Third Term! Wishing you a blessed 2021.

Kumba Seddu