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Turning
the Corner on Life
By Greg Quinn January 15th, 2010 2009 is over. A new year is here. What will you do differently in the new year, than you did the past one? New Years always brings resolutions. New decisions. Times of reflecting. Determination regarding a change. But, since change is difficult for most of us, most changes are left behind as good intentions. And, good intentions, unfortunately, don’t help you live a better life. Good intentions, or a failed resolution, will not cause you to lose weight, one of the more popular New Years resolutions. Good intentions will not make you read your Bible more, or pray more, or become a better Christian. Or, a follower of Jesus at all. Good intentions will not force you to be a better spouse, child, parent, or neighbor. Good intentions without action are worth very little. Good intentions that failed because of a lack of determination and action cause greater frustration, depression, anxiety, and fear. So, as you turn the corner on a new year, isn’t it about time you turn the corner on a new life? Sounds good, doesn’t it? But how do we do it?
First, renew your focus. Determine with much thought the things that are important to you, and decide to take action in a priority fashion in direct proportion to the level of importance in your life. Major on the majors; don’t major on the minors. Write down the things that are important in your life, then prioritize them. These are the things that should consume your time. And, I believe that if you place God as your first priority, all the other things will fall into place. In fact, look at what Jesus said in Matthew 6: 25-33: 25
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or
what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the
life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather
into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than
they? 27
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And
why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they
grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And
yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one
of these. 30
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to
morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little
faith? 31
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink?
or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For
after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth
that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto
you. Second, renew your dedication.
It is easy to say you will do something.
It is much more difficult to actually do it.
But, to obtain results, you must act.
Do whatever you must do in order to daily remind yourself that the change
you are about to undertake is worthwhile, and in accordance with the priorities
in your life. Don’t let your
resolutions become a failed attempt at action.
Do something about it. And
that starts with dedication and determination.
Third, list the things that have gone Write down the things that went well for you in your life. Then, write down the things that you did (or didn’t do) that helped to cause these good things to happen to you. If you did something that caused positive results, doesn’t it make sense to do this more?
Fourth, list the things that didn’t go well for you over the past year. Write down these bad things. Again, list the things you did (or didn’t do) that helped cause these bad things to happen. Upon reflection, list the things that you could have done to avoid these bad things happening. If you did or did not do things that caused bad results, doesn’t it make sense to change the action to therefore change the result? Finally, with these first four steps in place, initiate your plan of action and do not quit. Act, and stick with it. For results, you must act. For good results, you must act consistently. Wanting it is not enough. Having faith is important, but not enough on its own. You must act. James 2:26 says: 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Do you want more out of life in 2010 than you experienced in 2009?
A better job? A better relationship with your spouse or kids? More time
to enjoy the things you like to do? More
friends? Better relationship with
God? Being used in service for God?
More money? Nicer home?
More education? To look better? To
gain greater health? To help others more? If these things are important to you, do something about it. You cannot change direction without turning the corner. Turn the corner on life in 2010. You can do it. It’s your choice. |
