Three values for revolutionary living instead of resolutionary living

This year I have resolved not to be a resolutionary. A revolutionary is one who is seen as innovative, forward-thinking, ushering in an era of change. A resolutionary is someone who acts like a revolutionary but only for the first few weeks and months of the year.

To help heal the post-Christmas blues and begin the season of organizing, dieting and exercise, here are three passages from Proverbs to carry throughout the new year for yourself, your marriage and your family.

Proverbs 3:1-2, "My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying."

While the direct dialogue is from parent to child the greater conversation of scripture is God the Father to all his children. The promise of ancient scripture is not a resolutionary but of the laying of a personal foundation that leads to a satisfying life. The foundation is not dictated but outlined. Like a river that expands beyond its banks carrying with it destruction and chaos, so to a life that steps outside of the boundaries given in these ancient words falls apart.

Proverbs 5 expresses intimacies of married life that would make a sailor blush. Verse 19 reads, "May you always be captivated by her love."

All relationships take work, married life more than others. Two people usually result in three opinions. At some time or the other one partner in a marriage will begin to think it is easier to drift over to grass that looks greener. The grass is always greener over there because someone was fertilizing it, mowing it, landscaping it. Proverbs 5 challenges all who are married to become intoxicated by the love of their spouse. Cultivate and enjoy the deep expressions and satisfactions stemming from the intimacy of marriage.

Finally Proverbs 20:7 reads, "The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him."

The reason the children are blessed is because the righteous man has invested himself in them. Not practicing a hypocritical righteousness but one helps the children see the rich rewards from one who is building the foundation.

Build, cultivate and invest: three values for revolutionary living.

Rob Hurtgen is a husband, father and serves as the associate pastor at the First Baptist Church in Jackson. Read more from him at www.robhurtgen.wordpress.com.