Today many people will be making promises to themselves to ‘do better’ this year. Whether it’s to lose weight, get in shape, get organized, or any number of other good things. We lightly call these resolutions. As we all know, these resolutions last, uhh, a short time! I too have made my share and very few, if any, were really followed for any length if time.
Instead of a resolution I am instead entering into a covenant with God.
What is the difference you ask? A resolution is a decision that I make and unilaterally implement. As such, anytime it becomes hard I can choose to reject that decision without any regret because, after all, it was just my own choice. A covenant involves two persons and is an agreement between them for a particular purpose and for a particular time. So, while I may still break the covenant, I know that I will be disappointing the other person if I do. This gives me accountability and gives me pause to consider should I want to abandon my decision.
I covenant before God:
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As He gives me the grace and power, and
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Until He gives me leave to stop,
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I will devote myself to fulfilling my life’s mission statement:
To know and be known by GOD through regular study and worship, and to make HIM known to family, friends, co-workers, and strangers in need, by speaking the truth in love, acts of service, and sharing GOD’s provision. Ever more consistent, honest and open, quick to forgive and ask forgiveness. Choosing to make evident the Fruit of the SPIRIT in my life, asking in all circumstances, “What Would Jesus Do?”
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Practicing daily spiritual disciplines as He leads, and
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Reviewing and refining my daily actions to conform to the goals laid out here:
Upward – My experience with GOD
Worship
Prayer
Study
Inward – Learning to live as He would have me
Chastity
Temperance
Simplicity
Outward – Relating to other people in His name
Charity
Meekness
Generosity
The Trucking Monk 