There is a quote attributed to Albert Einstein regarding insanity. He said, “Doing the same things over and over again, yet expecting a different result (is insanity).” Undoubtedly, he is 100% accurate, yet many of us live in such a way that our actions would clearly define insanity. We go through the same routines, same habits, same frustrations but we hang on to the idea that this will land us in a different set of circumstances. Or at least we hope it will…
As you put the finishing touches on your New Year’s resolutions, have you asked yourself how this year will be different from all those that have gone before? What is it about 2013 that will give you the leverage you need to move forward. My guess is you’re charging ahead with gusto and it will last, what, a week? 2 weeks? A month? Ultimately, it looks like insanity…
Resolution means, “firmly determined.” It means that you are firmly determined to do a task or reach a goal. In the case of New Year’s resolutions, it usually means that you are firmly determined to do something in the coming year that you were not able to (or did not) accomplish in years past. It is with this firm determination that you charge ahead.
I find that my resolutions usually involve finding a better set of circumstances or better self-discipline. Usually, I come to the end of the year no better than when I started and frustrated at my lack of “achievement” or resolve. A few years ago, I came across The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards and began reading them daily. One of my favorites is Number 53. It reads,
53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.
Here’s what I’ve learned upon reading Edwards’ resolutions, when I understand my completeness in Christ and His desires for me (and of me), my desire to seek Him grows exponentially. My desire to manage my finances better, lose a little weight, exercise more, invest in friendships grows in direct proportion to finding my value in Christ. In Edwards’ words, “…knowing that I confide in my Redeemer.”
Perhaps this year you don’t need more resolutions, you need to be resolved to dwell upon Christ and all that He has done for you. Confide in Him. Rest in Him. Find your value in Him, not in a better financial picture or losing a few pounds. Be resolved to do that one thing and see how 2013 shapes up!
grace and peace,
sb
stanbritton.com 
Enjoyed your post, Stan. Funny, because I’m relaunching a blog, and one of my initial entries involves the same quote about insanity. It’s really so very true.
Thanks for sharing this message. Good food for thought….
Thanks Shannon! Good luck relaunching your blog! I’ve tried a few times and it seems to be taking this time. I’m trying to adopt Seth Godin’s model. Short, simple posts very regularly (he posts every day sometimes multiple times a day).
Happy New Year to you, Eric and kiddos! Sure miss you guys!
Great post. We all could learn to trust and rely on God more. All that the good that we do in and of ourselves is nothing but filthy rags anyway. In reality, the only good we can do is that which God, through the Holy Spirit, inspires us to do. We’ll never know what that is if we’re not looking to Him.
On another note. What Einstein said was insanity could also be called practice 🙂
Thanks Matt! Your words are so true. If we’re not looking to Christ, we’ll never really see/know what it is He is calling us to. May we be found faithful to stay our gaze on Him.
Re: Einstein, if you’re expecting different results then “practice” is fitting. I think it’s the “expecting the same results” part that leads to insanity.
Thanks for commenting. Cheers to you in the New Year!