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A Signal for Change

Signal for Change Are Americans losing their resolve for resolutions? A survey by the American Medical Association revealed that only 40 percent of Americans even bother to make New Year’s resolutions. Among those who do, the following are among the most popular:

84% – exercise more
82% – eat healthier
6% – reduce stress
62% – reduce fat in diet
19% – lower alcohol intake

And what is the success rate for sticking with these resolutions? Researchers have discovered these percentages of follow-through after certain time periods:

One week later – 80%
Six months later – 40%
Two years later – 20%

(Reported in The Detroit News December 29, 1995)

Certainly as a follower of Christ you want your resolutions to become more than just another list tucked into a Bible and soon forgotten. Here’s a suggestion on how to formulate and remember significant changes you feel God wants you to make in the year ahead.

Even though there is an apparent trend to ignore New Years’ resolutions, the start of a new year is still a great time to evaluate your life and to make plans for improvement. But how can you make your resolutions stick?

Here’s a tool that can serve as an everyday reminder about the changes you want and need to make. Have you ever noticed how many traffic signals you pass when commuting to work, running errands around town, or driving your kids to one of their many events?

Why not let these lights serve as more than signals for your driving? As you approach the light, note the color and use it as a reminder of commitments God has led you to make this year. Here’s how it could work:

RED = STOP

What attitudes, behaviors, or activities do I need to stop?
Is God asking me to eliminate something this year?

YELLOW = WAIT

In what decisions, relationships, or commitments do I need to exercise caution?
Is God asking me to delay or to wait on Him regarding a few things?

GREEN = GO

In what areas do I need to keep going?
Is God nudging me to begin a new habit or activity in order to deepen my love for Him and others?

Use these “signals for change” as a reminder to pray and renew your resolutions each day this year!