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National Quitter’s Day…

By January 12, 2025Devotional

If you have kept your New Year’s resolutions beyond this past Friday, January 10th, then you have beaten the odds. Yes, we even have a day in the year dedicated to those people who have failed to keep their resolutions that were made less than two weeks ago. That’s kind of disheartening, to say the least. But we actually have a National Quitter’s Day. Who would have thought! Traditionally, this day falls on the second Friday of the new year.

I think these folks have every intention of believing that they will automatically follow through with new exercise programs, diets, reduced spending, etc. but then something happens and they are back to their old ways. The number one resolution is to save more money, listed by 21% of people as very important. That is followed by eating healthier, 19%, and more exercise, 17%. Losing weight, 15%, spending more time with family and friends, 14%, and stop smoking, 9%, follow in that order. Walking closer with Jesus didn’t seem to make the list…

While some people go four months or even longer before they give up their resolve, it is generally accepted that most people tend to revert back to their old ways before the second weekend. This is probably due to the fact that we stay more focused on our goals during the week; and then we let loose a bit more on the weekend. It’s human nature.

I would hazard a guess that the biggest reason people fall short of their goals is that they don’t have an accountability partner. As I think back on my life, I have done much better when I confide in someone and they challenge me to stay the course. And if I am wavering, they will encourage me. While I may not appreciate it at the time, on retrospect, I have been successful much more of the time than I would be completely on my own.

A similar pattern emerges when we consider the path most new believers follow when they first accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives. They are all hyped up and really dive into the Bible, attend studies and amp up their prayer life.. All this is great, and I don’t mean this to be discouraging in any way, but sometimes the flame burns out after a tremendous start on their new journey. It’s very important to manage expectations when working with new believers – or those who have finally begun to take their faith seriously. And even more important, it is vital to provide encouragement and mentor them in their faith as they embark on this lifelong quest to become more Christlike and to spend eternity with God.

History shows us that new believers are generally on fire for the Lord, read the Bible and pray about everything. However, that road is a difficult one to sustain and eventually they lose the fire that they first had. Counting the cost of following God is not for the faint of heart. Then, one of two things consistently happens. They give up their faith (it’s too difficult); or go about their business with the mindset they had before they decided to become more dedicated to the path of walking with Christ. Now and again, we will find someone who reads and studies in moderation and realizes that their choice is not to know everything about God in a moment. Rather, it is a lifetime journey dedicated to become more like Christ as the years pass. And there is no magic way to short circuit the need for companionship and Christian counsel. These are vital components to walk the Christian path that God has uniquely created for each of us.

Our verse for tonight highlights the words of the psalmist, who tells us in Psalm 119:57-64, “You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees.”

My encouragement this evening is that following Jesus isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. It is a lifetime decision and as long as you are closer to Jesus this year than you were last year, you are on the correct path. Speed is not the indicator we use to determine how you are coming along. Obedience to God and continuous improvement are the hallmarks of a believer. My prayer is that we will all remain resolute in our quest to be drawn closer to God each year. And here’s hoping that we will all make permanent changes to our mindsets that include a deep desire to stay the course. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…

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