Wednesday, January 14, 2026

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6, New Living Translation)

            Have you already broken your New Year’s resolutions? Do you feel that you have already fallen back into the same old routines and ruts? Do you feel unmotivated as winter wears on? Maybe, you are a little bored with what you are doing, seeing, hearing. Is there any part of you that just wants to say “the heck with it?”

As I was mulling over an idea for today’s writing, I came across an article by Lauren Fraser on the CBC website which seemed to fit my thoughts and questions. It was about how to keep resolutions.  Apparently, most people give up on their goals and targets after about four months. Be it the local gym membership, reading a long-put-off book, spending more time out doors, less time on our computers or phones, people give up and go back to their old ways and habits.

Case in point, myself. Physio therapy has  really helped my right leg which had become a major problem. It took away the severe pain. But the leg has remained weak and I was given a series of home exercises to help strengthen it and my supportive back muscles. They took only about 15 minutes, twice a day.  I didn’t even reach the four months. I was religiously faithful both mornings and nights for about 6 to 8 weeks. Then, it became once a day. Then every other day.  Then occasionally. Now if I don’t feel like doing them, I don’t do any at all.  It will probably stay that way until I am in pain once again.  Don’t tell Susan.

The article described how important motivation is as the trigger in keeping up the good habits which we are trying to sustain. Stating the obvious, “a major predictor of success is whether you actually enjoy the goal you’ve set.” We are supposed to make it enjoyable. “But if you want something to stick, don’t be a martyr.” Find a challenge and celebrate the rewards. Replace old habits with new ones.  Look at each day as a fresh start.  Look for the right opportunities to engage in healthy habits without it becoming a chore, a duty, a slog, a nag or a guilt trip.

The word “continue” shows up frequently enough in scripture that we should take heed. For one thing, we are assured of God’s continued Love and Grace each and every day. “For the Lord is good.    His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” (Psalm 100:5) But this promise and hope carry a call for commitment on our behalf that we, too, will continue in faithfulness, trust, obedience and worship.

A healthy spiritualty, a Christian lifestyle, doesn’t happen by chance.  “But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.” (Colossian 1:23) We have to continually practice what Jesus preaches.  We must cultivate, shape, nurture, exercise our Christian faith, each and every day. Paul described it as like training for the Olympics. “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”  (1 Corinthians 9: 27)

In the letter to the Hebrews, the writer is alarmed at the sloppy habits of some of the people. “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:23) He reminds them of how strong they started out in their faith journey. “Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering.” (10: 32) He warns but also encourages. “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” (10: 36)

 So don’t give up on your faith. You can increase its benefits with each and every day that you live by the principles of Jesus Christ. “But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off big-time, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God. So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!” (Hebrew 12: 11 -13, The Message Bible)

 
Prayer:
            Our Creator God, we thank you for your continued Love and Grace. We also thank you for your encouragement as we endeavour, each and day, to live lives worthy of that Love. Grant us the willingness, the strength and the resolve to love you with all our hearts, minds, bodies and souls and to love our neighbours as ourselves. May we be fit for your kingdom work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.