Second Presbyterian Church

From the Pastor's Study
January 2004

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HAPPY NEW YEAR! How many New Year's resolutions have you made? Over the years I have found it very discouraging to try to make and keep New Year's resolutions. From what I gather, studies show that I am not alone; the failure rate for resolutions is just short of abysmal. This rate of (non) success is particularly true for the resolutions we make that have to do with losing weight, quitting cigarettes, getting more exercise and so on. And that is one reason I am a Christian. Christ is there for us even when we fail. The only resolution with which I have had any success is the resolution to not make any resolutions at all!

I used to smoke. I was hopelessly addicted. I wished I could stop, but I also enjoyed it too much. I found it extremely frustrating to feel the need to pick up that pipe and smoke. It felt like that was more important to me than all the really important things in life: God, family, friends, or good health. For years I also felt like God wasn't really helping me; year after year I continued to smoke.

One day, late summer I got a mouthful of cinders, because I was trying to smoke tobacco that had already been used too much. I spat out the cinders, murmured, "That's disgusting!" and put the pipe down. I was in no mood to take the trouble to go out and buy more pipe tobacco! "I'll do it later on today; not now." Two days later I realized that I had not bothered to buy more tobacco, nor had I picked up that pipe. A miracle happened! The Lord freed me from the addiction of tobacco. And I am grateful.

No amount of "resoluting" could help me. Only the power of our loving Savior, Jesus Christ, could break me from my addiction (idol, if you will). I cannot brag about my accomplishment; I did not do it with my own strength and will power. I can only thank God for His love and for rescuing me from the pipe.

So, be careful with your resolutions. But while being careful, look to God for your cares and needs. I had been praying about my addiction for years. I often became impatient with God's response. But when it came, WOW! It was worth it.

Have a Happy and Blessed New Year!

The Rev. Daniel E. Hale, D. Min.
Designated Pastor