At the beginning of each new year we focus on making “New Year Resolutions.”

What’s a “New Year Resolution” anyway?

Someone has defined it like this: “A New Year’s resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to one or more lasting personal goals, projects, or the reforming of a habit. Simply put, a “New Year Resolution” is a firm decision to make a change for the better.

How would you like to live a long and satisfying life? Have a good reputation with God and man? Have God’s direction when you don’t know what to do? How would you like to enjoy renewed health and vitality? Financial security? How would you like to have a deeper and closer walk with God?

Proverbs 3:1-12 outlines resolutions that ensure these rewards. As you read through these verses the following pattern emerges – “meet the requirement, receive the reward.”

“My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; [that’s the requirement. The reward?] For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you. [The requirement?] Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. [The reward?] So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. [The requirement?] Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, [the reward?] And He will make your paths straight. [The requirement?] Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear

the LORD and turn away from evil. [The reward?] It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones. [The requirement?] Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; [the reward?] So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine. [The requirement?] My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof, [the reward?] For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.”

If you want to live a long and satisfying life then resolve to not only read the Bible, but apply the Bible (vv1-2).

If you want to have a good reputation with God and man then resolve to be faithful in your relationships with God and man (vv3-4).

If want the reward of renewed health and vitality then resolve to live in the fear of the LORD and turn away from the evil habits that are destroying your health (vv7-8).

If you need financial security then resolve to honor God with your finances (vv9-10).

If you would like to have a deeper and closer walk with God then resolve to receive God’s discipline and correction as a mark of His love (vv11-12).

Wishing you and yours A Happy and Blessed New Year!

(Jessie J. Charpentier Sr. is pastor of Jenkins Memorial Baptist Church in St. Martinville.)