We often set resolutions that are nearly impossible and end up setting them in every facet of our lives. Our resolutions, if accomplished, would have us functioning as the perfect human being. The only problem is that we are not perfect and never will be no matter how great our intentions on January 1st are.

When Satan tempts us, he uses lies. On January 1st, he tells everyone that this year is the year they will lose that weight, save that money/get out of debt and get more organized. When we fall short of all those resolution, he shows up again telling us that we are failures and we should keep doing what we were doing before the resolutions. They are all lies, we will never be perfect, we are not failures for not achieving perfection again this year, and we should not stay the same.

This year, simplify. Pick the one resolution that will benefit you the most and focus on it.

Focusing on it means making it more than just an end in itself, but defining the means.

If your Goal is to lose weight, make it your resolution to not eat fast food or drink Coke.
If your Goal is to spend more time with God, make it your resolution to read 1 Chapter of the Bible a day.
If your Goal is to serve others more, make it your resolution to find somebody to do it with you once a month.
If your Goal is to get out of debt, make it your resolution to pay off a certain amount each month.

We will never be perfect, so we can always be better. Let this year be the year of better --not perfect.