I want to lose weight …

I want to quit smoking …

I want to read more …

I want to eat less …

I want, I want, I want.

Self-improvement is good, don’t get me wrong. Self-absorption, however, is about as far from the model of Christ that we can get. Have you ever seen a toddler throw a fit in a store screaming, “but I want it?” It’s not very attractive. I think sometimes I must look like that to God.

It’s pretty easy to sit back and lob bombs at people to make myself look better. We humans do it all the time. But, really, I’ve got no right to throw bombs at anyone. I could confront someone who swears and tell them that they aren’t being very “godly” but then they have every right to look at me and say, “Okay, Mister Moose, loose 100 pounds and then we can chat.” They’d be right. I don’t show self-control with food and my picture should be in the dictionary to illustrate the word, “glutton.” But I don’t want to talk about me. I’d rather talk about all the things that are wrong with you.

I’ve started this year with a simple resolution; not my will but thine. It’s only 7:25 PM and I’ve failed at least twice today. It’s not going to be easy. That’s why scripture says we’ve got to commit to it every single day…  again and again.

Tomorrow morning, being New Years Sunday, the most popular sermon topic in America will focus on telling people how to get, or become whatever they want in 2011. Word-Faith preachers will encourage people to claim miracles, megachurches will unveil and hype up their newest expansion plans and goal-oriented leaders will reveal new challenges for expanding their church congregations. Last week we asked Santa to give us stuff, this week we come looking for God to do what we want.

What if we asked God what He wants in 2011? What if we just offered ourselves, our time, our money, our dreams, to Him and said, “Not what I want God, but what you want?”

“Then he told them what they could expect for themselves: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat – I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how.” Luke 9:23 MSG