When we think of New Year’s Resolutions, we often think of the goals that we create with a spirit of renewal and new energy. We have hope for changes in our lives… for the better! So what kinds of resolutions can we make as we begin another New Year in the life of the Church? Here are a few things to consider and discuss:
1) Show and give LOVE more freely
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 22:37-40
RESOLUTION: Show love through your actions and your words. Remember to say kind things to people rather than hurtful or mean things. Always respect others, regardless of who they are, what they look like, or where they come from. Go out of your way to make someone feel better, especially if others have been unkind.
What are some other ways we can show LOVE this new ecclesiastical year?
2) Remember to FORGIVE, rather than react or keep grudges
“Then Peter came to Him and said, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’” – Matthew 18:21-22
RESOLUTION: As they say, two wrongs do NOT make a right. Try not to react so quickly if someone makes you angry or upset. Don’t keep grudges. A grudge can only make us react poorly or say something that we might regret later. If forgiveness is too difficult, talk to your parish priest. He can help you put things into perspective.
What other ways can we practice and understand forgiveness this new ecclesiastical year?
3) Don’t spread or be a part of GOSSIP
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29.
RESOLUTION: From magazines to television shows, gossip is people want to hear (but don’t want to be the subject of). Be the role model among your friends and stop gossip. Never talk about or spread things that are mean, embarrassing, or untrue. Or if someone tries to share gossip with you, tell them “Hey, I’m really not interested in that. Sorry.”
What other ways can we prevent GOSSIP this new ecclesiastical year?
4) Think beyond yourself… SERVE others
“You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be the slave to all. For even the son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:25-29
RESOLUTION: Make a real effort to serve and help others, not for recognition or glory. Get involved in service projects with school and the church youth group. This might mean serve on student council, volunteer at a soup kitchen, raise money for a charity, etc. Serving others can even happen at home. Take on a few extra chores or help with chores that aren’t even yours. Sacrifice your time and talents to make someone else’s life easier or happier.
What other ways can we give of ourselves and SERVE this new ecclesiastical year?
Consider the following things and create your own resolutions: Strengthening Prayer Life, Understand and Practice Fasting, Giving Thanks, Showing Mercy, Being Modest, Stopping Inappropriate Language, Respecting Ourselves and Our Bodies.
Chat with your friends and family and work together to really start the new ecclesiastical year on the right foot!
Originally published on September 6, 2009 in the Youth Worker Pulse, the official ListServ of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
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