By Doug De Graffenried
I have a friend who does not make resolutions at the beginning of the year. Their stated position is very correct. “Why pile up a bunch of promises at the beginning of the year? Why not make resolutions every morning for that day. See if you can keep a resolution for one day.” I have often suspected that New Year’s resolutions are a way of gaining control over tomorrow. We are, in essence, saying to God this is MY plan for the year. What if we resolved to live each day, abiding in Christ? My friend’s philosophy seems very Jesus like. Jesus told us to pray for our daily bread and reminded us that there is little sense in worrying about tomorrow. Wake up every morning and follow Jesus for that day. See how you do!
The problem with resolutions and all those resolutions we re-resolve in Lent is that we know we won’t keep them. We make them and play such games with our own resolve. What does that say about us?
When I did make resolutions, they began on January 2nd. That way I can have as much fun as I wish to have on New Year’s Day then on January 2nd the change begins. I resolved one year that I would quit making resolutions because by March I seemed to have forgotten what I had so boldly resolved in January. My friend is correct in resolving every day to live for Christ. I want you to note that as a culture the notion of resolve is fading. The hard truth is there is no change in our lives until there is resolve in our lives.
This year my beginning of the year pondering revolves around the concept of ETM. King Solomon said, “Where there are no oxen, the stable is clean, but a good harvest requires the strength of the ox.” (Proverbs 14: 4)
I think Solomon was saying, if you want good things to happen in life, you must “endure the manure.” You can only have a clean stable by getting rid of the oxen. If you remove the oxen, then you remove the ability to obtain a bountiful harvest. The very “tool” that helps bring you success also makes a very big mess. That is the essence of ETM (endure the manure).
ETM means that the good things in life don’t come easily. You must work for them. Do you want a better career? In most cases, forty hours will not bring you financial riches or success. Do you want a great marriage? Well, that means using muscles other than the ones that hold on to the remote control. It means paying as much attention to our spouse as you do to your social media presence. Do you want to be a great parent? Great parents are involved in every aspect of their child’s life. They also reclaim the parental word, “No.” Now we have created competing loyalties between career, marriage, and family. ETM means you struggle to be faithful in the middle of that conflict.
Do you want your spiritual life to grow? You must ETM. That means when you pray, listen to God for 30 minutes rather than begging him for something for three minutes. It means loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. It means loving your neighbor as yourself. Loving those neighbors can be the hard part of our Christian walk. Loving your neighbor can be messy!
ETM is my aiming point for 2024. To be a better person and to have a bountiful harvest you and I need to “endure the manure.”
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