Resolutions

Honestly—I’m going to change. Next year. Soon. Again. I hope. Maybe.

Good intentions often only last until New Year’s Day afternoon before we succumb to the reality of our lack of follow-through. Each year we start with the best of intentions to be kinder, more considerate, thoughtful, productive… only to get very frustrated with our failures.

In the Bible, there is a word for a life-change beyond intention. In the New Testament Greek the word is “metanoia” which we usually see translated as ‘repentance.’ John the Baptist came preaching a baptism of ‘repentance’ (Matthew 3:8, 11) but pointing out that the washing in water was not sufficient to perpetuate the desired change in the hearts of those being baptized but that Jesus was coming with a baptism with the Spirit which would have the power to change.

“Metanoia” literally means ‘a change of mind’ bringing a ‘reversal of prior decisions or actions’ so it is more than intention. This is change of Life, profound change. An example of how dramatic the change would be is noted in reversal of the Jewish mindset towards Gentiles (early Jewish Christians did not believe non-Jews could be ‘saved’ unless they became Jews first). In Acts 11 the account of Peter with the witness of several Jews who had accompanied him to Caesarea to in response to a call from a Roman centurion (military commander) confirmed by the Holy Spirit. Peter and the disciples with him had gone, presented the Truth to these non-Jews and they responded with repentance accepted by God.

“Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” ¹ 

There is no more dynamic change than passing from death into life. Even though we are told that the centurion was devout, feared God, was generous, even that he prayed regularly, he knew he needed more and couldn’t ‘muster’ it up by his own intentions. Only the repentance born within him by the Holy Spirit was enough to resolve his need and destiny.

So before you attempt another resolution, you may want to consider the enabling of God in providing the power to turn intent into change.