Where Do You Land On the Curve?

It is that time of year when we look to newness; in the year, in our lives in our resolve. Cultures and civilizations have been promising themselves or someone that they would do better in the next year for centuries. In the Medieval era knights took something called a peacock vow reaffirming their vow of chivalry. 




Romans made new year promises to the god Janus and even Babylonians made promises to their god that they would pay all of their debts and return all borrowed items. 

Even we Christians had a practice called Watch Night were prayers are prayed in hopes of a stronger commitment to Christ in the new year.

I struggle with making resolutions because I know myself. I start off by setting the bar so high that defeat is sure and swift. Then at defeat I give up and don't even try to sort of make it happen. According to Forbes Magazine only 8% of those making resolutions keep them. I am not alone. There are a whole bunch of people on my side of the bell curve so why care? But what if... what if we make "keepable" resolutions that really matter (not that losing weight or stopping smoking doesn't matter.)? What if our resolutions were things that mattered mostly to others; those that must share the same space with us? What if we improved who we were by adopting great habits of others?

Here is my list what I feel would change the world;

1. Be Job - Don't whine. Well...Job did whine, or so it seemed. But truthfully he had lost so much and had been inflicted with great horrors. But in the midst of the pain and grief he held fast to faith that God would stay by his side. SO. No more whining. Let's face it, even on our worst day, in the midst of the worst calamity, there are many others that live life in much more severe circumstances. So how would the world look to everyone else if we chose not to whine about our hard bed, our sore back, our hang nail, the fact that our internet is spotty...you get the drift. Know that God has your back and that the worse thing is never the last thing.

2. Be Nehemiah - Everyone had something to say about the destruction of the Temple and had suggestions for how when and the way it would be rebuilt. Nehemiah left comfort and went and rebuilt it.  That Simple. Embrace constructive and drop the criticism part of the equation - Sure there are a lot of things that can be and should be improved upon and untaken. And often it is helpful when we point those out to others. But think of how much more helpful it is to be the catalyst for change by engaging in the improvement ourselves. As a pastor, I am approached quite often with ways I could improve the music of our church, the worship service or even organization areas. I will be the first to say there is room for improvement in all areas of my leadership and the church; much improvement. New ideas are great and God speaks through everyone. But as my Uncle Terry used to say, "If you want to have something to say about the situation be part of the solution." In other words - be constructive.

3. Be the voice crying in the wilderness aka John the Baptizer - John had some harsh words for the slackers. He told them to clean up their act and be ready. But as harsh as this sounds he really was bringing great news. His listeners were desperate for the savior God had promised. John prepared their hearts and minds to receive what God had promised. Do our words prepare people for God? Do we bring hope of rescue for those who hear us speak? Or do we condemn people with our words. Words are powerful. Let them give hope.

4. Be Mary - Either one will do. Mary (the Mom) was earnest and steadfast. She did what she was told to do without wavering and did it to her best ability; even prodding Jesus along in his for miracle at the wedding at Cana. We didn't see Mary say to the angel, "Hey, can we hold this off until after the wedding, I wanna fit in my dress." Or, "Hey, you know that Seraphena girl? She is already married and would love kids." She did as she was told, when she was told. Then there is Mary Magdalene. Her faith to the mission never wavered. She stayed true to listening and learning from her new mentor. She was truly devoted to Jesus, but more importantly to the mission of Jesus. Picture what you know of the scene at the crucifixion. Where was Judas - he had run off to punish himself for his betrayal. Peter? Outside the gate denying even hanging with that Jesus guy. They other guys? Lurking about as well in the shadows. Throughout the whole course the were slow learners and fair weather friends. Well...except for John (the one Christ loved best). So we need to take on the traits of Mary. Do what we are asked. Do it well. Don't quit when it is hard and be faithful in all things. As a friend of mine says, no "half A$$ery wanted here"


5. Be Esther - Esther was called to step in where she didn't belong to stand up for what was right. Although she was a queen in her world it carried very little sway with the one that could make the difference for her people; she was a woman AND a foreigner. She was called to stand up for more people like her. She could have easily kept silent, risked nothing and led a happy life. But she stood up and used her voice and persuasion to be the hero. More importantly she paid attention to timing and approach. We could be more like Esther. Stand up for what is right. Stand up with dignity and humility. Do the right thing for the right reason the right way. Thomas J. Watson, American business man and author put it this way, "If you stand up and be counted, from time to time you may get knocked down. But remember this: A man flattened by an opponent can get up again. A man flattened by conformity stays down for good." Be someone's hero!

It's not hard. Just focus on what you have, fix instead of gripe, empower and affirm others, be loyal and stand up for something. Happy New Year  Happy New You!