A resolution is a “firm decision to do or not do something.”  Resolutions are common at this point in the year.  As we start 2017 people will resolve to read more, eat less, exercise, watch less TV and give more money.  Resolutions are made by people.  Your dog doesn’t resolve to read more and sleep less.  Your cat doesn’t resolve to catch more mice in the new year.  Your hamster doesn’t set goals.  To resolve is human.  That we can choose is evidence of our likeness to God.  We have a will.  That we want to better ourselves is evidence of our belief that things can be better.  To me this implies that there was a time when things were better…that we were better.  Most of us, whether we know it or not are craving a return to the original glory of mankind.  John Eldridge reminds that every time we look in the mirror we’re checking to see if the glory has returned.  Of course there is nothing wrong with resolutions, they can be quite helpful in our development as people.  What if our resolutions were more in line with God’s intentions for us?  What if we thought more about our character and less about our waistline or per mile average when jogging?  What if our resolve was followed by means?  I mean, what if we decided to practice being who we want to become?  Have you ever observed a cranky, mean-spirited person and said, “Wow, I sure don’t want to become like that.”?  It’s going to take more than desire to not become like that.  It’s going to take practice.  We’re planning to have Communion on New Year’s Day and I’m going to challenge you with one of the “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.”  The habit we’ll consider is this, “Begin with the end in mind.”  Do you have an idea about what kind of person you’d like to become?  How are you arranging your life to get there?  Will your resolutions reflect that?