By: Ted Camp, Silent Word Ministries

What is a resolution? “A resolution is a formal expression of opinion or intention made... to make a firm determination, resolution or promise to do something... the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure.” Some do not make any resolutions while others quickly ignore their resolutions.

I remember our children, when they were young, making their New Year Resolutions. They resolved to “give up” green beans, turnip greens and chewing tobacco. In humor, they simply made non-resolutions. An example: “I will eat more chocolate.” “I resolve not to resolve anything.” “I resolve not to lose weight.” One person said, “I resolve to quit smoking. It is easy; I have done it hundreds of times.” If you aim at nothing you will surely hit it. As one man said, “My goal is to climb a low mountain.” Well, let me encourage you to practice some good Bible resolutions for 2013.

I resolve like...Noah to live righteous in a wicked world (Genesis 6:8-9). I resolve like Enoch to walk with God (Genesis 5:22). I resolve like...Abraham to live by faith (Hebrews 11:8-10). I resolve like...Aaron & Hur to uphold the hands of my spiritual leaders (Exodus 17:12). I resolve like...Caleb & Joshua to refuse to let superior members lead me astray (Numbers 4:6-9). I resolve like...Joshua that our family will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15).

I resolve like...Esther to boldly speak for justice, whatever the consequences (Esther 4:16). I resolve like...Job to trust in God when I do not understand His ways (Job 13:15). I resolve like...Daniel to continue in prayer (Daniel 6:10). I resolve like...Andrew to try to lead my relatives to the Lord (John 1:40-41). I resolve like...Stephen to have a forgiving attitude toward those who hurt me (Acts 7:60). I resolve like... Mary to obey God in heartache (Luke 1:38).

I resolve like...Onesiphorus to be refreshing to others (II Timothy 1:16). I resolve like...Paul to forget the past and press toward the mark before me (Philippians 3:14). I resolve like...Jesus to live for others (John 15:12). I resolve like...the Disciples to fulfill the great commission to preach the Gospel and teach the Word of God (Mark 16:15). I resolve...like John in that I will look forward to the Lord’s return (Revelation 22:20).

I also resolve to be a consistent and compassionate Christian! I resolve that I will keep serving the God until I die, or the Lord returns. These are Words of Wisdom.

Ted Camp is director of Silent Word Ministries, a worldwide ministry to the deaf based in Trenton. E-mail him at TC@silentword.org to be added to the email list for weekly articles or phone (706) 657-8000.