Resolutions for a blessed 2012

We all are inclined to make new resolutions at the approach of the New Year even while knowing that it wouldn't take long to forget them all. Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) , theologian and thinker, was around 19 when he drew up a list of 70 resolutions with a view to ensuring that his life pleases God and blesses fellow beings.

That should be quite a desirable goal for ordinary mortals like us. What was some of these resolutions? He would do whatever is most to God's glory. He would perform his duties for the good of mankind in general.

He was determined 'never to do anything which he should be afraid to do if it was the last hour of his life.' Another resolution related to studying the scriptures steadily, constantly and frequently.

Yet another resolution was about examining himself at the end of every day, week, month and year and see how he could possibly improve.

These resolutions have relevance because the 'blessedness' of the New Year will, to an extent, depend on how we fare in our relationship with God and fellow beings. So it is worth dwelling on what makes for a trouble free year.

A wise method is to have a daily check list: Today, I will treat others as I wish to be treated. Remember the Golden Rule stated in the Bible? 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'

Today, I will be careful about what I speak. This means resisting the temptation to gossip, slander or malign anyone in any way. 'Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt that you may know how to answer each one.' (Colossians 4: 6) 'Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. Human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness. What is more, if someone thinks he is religious but does not bridle his tongue, his religion is futile.

Today I will go the extra mile…' There is this scriptural injunction: 'Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.' (Philippians 2: 4) That is the road to overcome selfishness, the number one enemy of happiness.

Today, I will be disposed to overcome evil with good. Vengeance is the way usually chosen by the average man to confront evil. That will drag one into hatred, yielding fruits of bitterness and wickedness. It would be like giving a foothold to the devil in your life. 'Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you' (Ephesians 4: 31-32)

Today, I will do a bit do build up 'faith, hope and love' in my life. Translating that into practical terms would mean in the words of A.W Tozer: 'Mend a quarrel. Search out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust…Encourage youth. Keep a promise. Forego a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologise if you were wrong.

Examine your demand on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate, be kind, be gentle. Take up arms against malice. Decry complacency. Express your gratitude…Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Count your blessings and thank God for all of these.'

Today, I will think of what I can give. Covetousness in human nature is at the root of many evils we find today.Whether it is environmental pollution, harmful exploitation of natural resources, shortages . corruptionâ€"at the root of it all is the human mind craving for more. Giving is an anti-dote to fight this inclination in human natuare. A fourth century saint,Basil, reminds us: 'The bread you store up belong to the hungry; the cloak that lies on your chest belongs to the naked; and the gold that you have hidden in the ground belongs to the poor.'

Today, I will employ my time well. Life is made up of time and whoever wastes time wastes life itself. Since life is short, we must 'redeem the time.' Know the true value of time, snatch, seize and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, laziness, no procrastination. –never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Today I will say 'no' to selfish ambition and obsession with success: The world today has a false view of success. Einstein pointing out this society's illusion which considers as successful a man who " receives a great deal more from his fellowmen, usually incomparably more than corresponds to his service to them." According to him the value of a man, however, should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive. The Christian will be guided by the need to give an account to his Master…

This is not to say that it will all be smooth sailing throughout the year. One may not know what awaits him or her in the times ahead. Amidst the changing tides and seasons, the psalmist had learnt to say: 'I trust in you, O Lord ! You are my God. You are my God. My times are in your hand.'(Psalm 31: 15) A strong faith is shield against anxiety over changes and uncertainties of the future.

When tough times come your way, remember the One who endured the Cross for the sake of eternal glory. Wealth, success or fame can not satisfy the souls, who have an eternal destiny. A psychiatrist explains spiritual growth thus: You will not grow if you sit in a beautiful flower garden, but you will grow if you are sick, if you are in pain , if you experience losses,and if you do not put your head in the sand, but take the pain as a gift to you with a very, very specific purpose.