4 New Life Resolutions (Part 2)

In the previous post, we looked at the first two of what I have referred to as “New Life Resolutions.” We learned that we are to live out the Golden Rule, and stay Christ-centered. I would like to jump right to resolution three.

Resolution #3: Be Humble

Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Harmony and humility (“do not be haughty” is saying “be humble”) go hand in hand. The Bible repeatedly makes the point that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Now we understand that “opposes” means “actively works against.” So my question for you then is do you really want the God of the universe actively working against you? I am betting not!

Here are some easy ways to live in harmonious humility:

Let other people get the credit (God knows anyway).

Don’t point out others’ faults, but guard their dignity. None of us like it when someone points out our faults.

Sincerely apologize and ask for forgiveness when you mess up.

Think the best of other’s intentions. Most people who hurt or offend us are probably not deliberately trying to hurt us (and if they are we have a resolution for that coming up).  We judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their actions, but a better road to follow is simply don’t judge what we think are other people’s intentions.

Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Stop making excuses and just be honest with people. I used to make excuses when I did not want to go somewhere or do something. Now I just say no. If I tell you yes on something, it is a sincere yes and I am happy to do it. If I tell you no, you won’t get an excuse. I will just say no.

Such simple stuff, but so few people are doing it.

People seeking to be harmoniously humble are naturally going to carry out this last resolution.

Resolution #4: Pursue Peace Whenever Possible

Romans 12:17-20 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head."

So here is a sincere question: do you want to be at peace with other people, or do you have to always be right? I promise you that most of the time you cannot have both!

People constantly argue about things they really do not have knowledge to argue about. Internet has made lots of information available, without any way to judge the quality of that information.

Now being at peace with others also means that we do not go after people when they offend or hurt us. If we believe God is just and that in the end He will bring justice on the earth (and He will Beloved, He will) then we do not need to take matters into our own hands. Love does not seek revenge, it forgives as best it can.

Notice Paul writes, “as far as depends on you.” There are some people you cannot be a peace with because they won’t let you. God does not say “In that case, all bets are off – let them have it.” He says let Him deal with them when He decides it is time. In the meantime, we still have options. We can deflect their issue by loving them more. Or we can avoid these people if possible.

Most of our conflicts are avoidable, if we could just give up the idea that we have to win to save our pride. And let us also face the fact that some of our conflicts are of our own creation. Not that any of us would do that…

We all likely desire a 2017 that is better than 2016. Even if we had a year we define as pretty good, we certainly want this one to be even better. Live the life of love lived out in practical ways. It is one of the best resolutions any of us could make. No matter what else might happen this year, love, Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians, never fails.