College Union

A few years ago I remember making a New Year’s Resolution not to make any more New Year’s Resolutions. It’s not that I’m against setting goals for myself. It’s just that the resolutions I tended to make had no resolve. I would make them under the self-inflicted pressure (read guilt) of people asking me, “So, have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?” I’d spout off something like the usual working out more (some), eating better (less), or something spiritual like trying to get up every morning at 5 a.m. to pray for two hours before the day began. All good things, but the problem was that I had no resolve. Without resolve, there was no plan. Maybe I should make a New Year’s Resolution to have more resolve.

I wonder if spiritual formation is really about that kind of thing—resolve. The local Christian bookstore has all kinds of books covering plans and formulas and steps about climbing to the higher ground of a victorious spiritual life. I’ve tried some myself. Wouldn’t you think with so much material out there to help us, we’d all be, as some like to say, “spiritual giants” by now?  But I can’t say that I’ve noticed among the general Christian community a staggering growth spurt even approaching giant status? Have you? Where are these colossal Christians?

It seems to me that resolve is something Jesus likes. “Do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it….But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well” (see Luke 12:28-31). Paul is always saying stuff like “set your minds on things above” and “have your mind set on what the Spirit desires” (Col. 3:2; Rom. 8:5). Peter says, “Prepare your minds for action…set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:13).

So here’s what I’m thinking. No resolution to grow in Christ, no matter how well intended, will be accomplished without resolve. Resolve is really more important than a plan, a formula, or a strategy. And the resolve of discipleship comes from an awareness that Jesus has already revealed and continues to reveal himself to us. So, if I’m going to enter into the process of being shaped by the Spirit, I have to resolve to respond to God’s continuous leading and never-leaving presence. I guess the reality is that I am able to set my mind on Christ only because he sets his mind on me. I can seek God’s kingdom because God’s kingdom has already sought me.

Categories: Nurturing the Soul of the Campus Minister
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