New Year’s Resolutions (V)
R. Kent Hughes, in his book, Disciplines of a Godly Man, has a good word to us as we consider the potential danger of taking on too much with our New Year’s resolutions:
…we must also understand that we must not overcommit ourselves, especially if we are just beginning. The tendency, when truly challenged, is to say, ‘I’m committing myself to two hours of daily prayer, I am going to read the Bible through twice this year, and I am going to practice every day the disciplines of devotion (meditation, confession, adoration, submission) and also the discipline of petition. I am going to have a prayer list that is second to none.’ That will last about three days-maybe!
Better to commit yourself to a total of fifteen minutes and maintain it-with perhaps five minutes of Bible reading, five minutes of meditation, and five minutes of disciplined prayer. A regular time of devotion and prayer will become a habit, and the habit of prayer will give wings to your spiritual life. (105).
Derek,
Dorm life can be full of over committments, especially in my part of it all. So, I’ll be sure to pass this on to the guys here (in Hotchkiss, see you’re still having an impact here) who try so hard to build their spiritual resume.
Thanks for the post.
Siona,
Boy do I hear that!! I think my middle name during my time at Master’s was ‘Over Committment.’ I will be excited to hear how you help the guys in this regard. I think it is a vitally important topic. To quote Spansel, “Preach the gospel to yourself everyday.” We are not justified by our disciplines!
Press on, brother.
Derek