Sad, but true, most of us make resolutions to change our lives in some way or other, only to fall victim to the same bad habits within a day or two.  In some ways, it’s kind of like our relationship with God.  We come to Him and ask forgiveness for our sins and within a short time we’ve sinned again. Is it part of our human makeup to break our promises? Do we sincerely repent in one minute and within the next, we’re right back at it with a vengeance?

Paul, the apostle of Christ, knew this was a problem for all of us.  This man, who once was a devout Jew on the warpath for all those who followed Jesus, became a follower himself.  His acts of terror towards Christians were well known across the land.  After spending 3 years being educated by the One he was persecuting, he knew that human behavior is coated with sin – that original sin, passed down from the time of man’s fall from God. We daily need to come to God with repentant hearts to be reminded that our sins are forgiven. God paid the ransom, yet we still need the reassurance that we’ve been made right with Him.

Like Paul, we will be plagued with guilt over past sins until we enter heaven. As hard as we try, there’s nothing we can do to personally achieve salvation.  God, in His unconditional love for us, makes it possible. Maybe you’ve already broken one of your resolutions to do better this year.  I don’t even bother making them anymore, because I know I won’t keep them.  The first step is placing our trust in the One who paid the price for our redemption.