However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me. Acts 20:24 NIV
Most people break their New Year's resolutions by the second Friday in January – that’s today! Statistics say 80-88% of people abandon their commitments by the end of the second week of the new year. This is when initial motivation fades and commitment drops significantly. This date varies slightly each year, but most consistently, the second Friday of the new year, gym attendance drops off, diets fall by the wayside, and all kind of commitments initiated with enthusiasm die a quiet death.
Why does it happen? Well, there are many reasons. Our initial enthusiasm wanes. The New Year brings emotional energy, but when the emotion subsides, we lack the discipline to stay with change. We set unrealistic goals, we say things without counting the cost of what it will entail and how long it will take to succeed, and because we haven’t seen a big enough result yet, we just fade. We get distracted. Change is challenging, and we get distracted by convenient things that don’t require effort.
All those things easily happen, but the bottom line is that in everything worth doing and having, there is a cost. For positive changes, particularly the changes that go with full and complete commitment to following Jesus, it is imperative that we understand it goes against the grain of our natures to do what is wise, right, and best. Despite what some may want to tell you, we are not naturally self-sacrificing, courageous, and wise. It’s not normal to give up what I want right now for what I truly want later. Convenience and comfort are what we naturally desire. We don’t make the right choices simply because we believe in Jesus and love Him. It requires intentional, daily, and courageous commitment.
Let’s look at that: Intentional – I will never drift into the wise way, the right choices, the powerful way. I will never accidentally become an impactful follower of Jesus, making a difference with my life. I must intentionally focus on that. Daily – it’s not a one and done choice. I make it daily, over and over. When Jesus said I must daily pick up my cross and follow Him, this is what He meant. Every day will present opportunities to ditch or detour. Every day, I intentionally choose to follow fully. Courageous – The road I choose when I decide to completely follow Jesus will not be crowded. I will choose to swim upstream when most everyone else is drifting downstream.
- Paul got it. His consistent, intentional priority was finishing well – he was absolutely determined to finish his commitment to Jesus and the mission. Can you imagine his satisfaction now? You can do it too. One day, one choice at a time.