Resolutions ~ Part One

 Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening, 

this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.

What is your understanding of the word "Resolutions"? What does "Resolutions" means to a immediate relative? 

This post focuses on a BYU Devotional in January 1994, and it is called "Resolutions" by President Joe J. Christensen. This post is part one, I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the 

Devotional, and I hope that you would be able to learn something new while you are reading through this post. 

President Christensen has mentioned the following;

"... You are going in the right direction, and if you continue choosing the right, you will arrive at a destination that will be good for you now and in the hereafter. ... To a degree, we all know the gospel and what we should be doing in our lives. Very likely, we know more than we apply. Right? ... I would like to visit with you about resolutions - resolutions to conform our lives more closely to what we already know about the gospel. 

I am sure that some of us have made a bundle of New Year’s resolutions, and maybe a few of us haven’t chosen to make any because of prior problems we have had in keeping them. Don’t overlook the power that making good resolutions can have to help make your life happier and more successful regardless of your past behavior. 

"may the new year bring peace, love,and happiness."

Let’s explore for a moment the term resolution. As a noun, it suggests steadfastness of purpose. As an adjective, resolute is characterized by firmness or determination. 

As a verb, resolve brings to mind such terms as courage, mettle, fortitude, tenacity, backbone, and moral stamina in the face of hardship, temptations, and unfavorable odds (see American Heritage Dictionary [Boston: Houghton-Mifflin]).

I was anxious to know something of your concerns and aspirations, and so I had an informal survey taken of 150 young adults who were asked to list three resolutions they felt would help them to become more successful and happy during the new year. Almost everyone in the survey (98 percent) included a resolution to increase the level of his or her spirituality. 

Two out of three (68 percent) indicated they would like to improve their social skills. Half (49 percent) indicated a desire to increase their level of physical fitness, and half (48 percent) wanted to grow intellectually. Everyone indicated a desire to improve. After all, self-improvement is at the heart of why we are here in mortality.

... In the Joseph Smith Translation (Matthew 5:50), we read: “Ye are therefore commanded to be perfect.” The translation of the Greek word for perfect means “complete, finished, fully developed.” ... We believe that the Savior meant what he said and that, for us, becoming like our Father in Heaven and the Savior is a commandment - not just a suggestion. We should strive continually to become more like them.

... In other words, the Savior increased or developed in the same areas that those of you who were included in the poll indicated that you would like to improve, that is: - intellectually (in both wisdom and knowledge) 

- physically (in stature) - socially (in favor with man) - spiritually (in favor with God).

I am convinced that if we made and kept resolutions in these four areas, we would have a happier and more successful new year and every year for the rest of our lives.

Intellectual Resolutions

First, consider this one: I resolve to expand my intellectual horizons. I will increase in wisdom. This year, commit yourself to read good books - not just when you are attending the university or college, but throughout your life. Some people learn to read but don’t read. ... At some point in our lives, we learned to read. But the question tonight is: Are we reading? Are we growing in wisdom?

... We do not have a professional, theologically trained and salaried clergy. Leaders and teachers are called from among the membership - people like you and me. In terms of learning, however, the scriptural commandment to 

us is: “Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom” and, “Become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people” (D&C 88:118, 90:15; emphasis added).

Notice the emphasis on best books and good books. What we choose to read will make a huge difference in the development of our minds and character. We cannot justify mentally shifting into neutral and failing to exert our efforts to make progress intellectually. ... So whether or not you are in school, the challenge is the same. 

We should continue learning throughout our entire lives and, especially, learning more about the gospel. ... If we read continually, we would not be able to read more than the smallest fraction of the books in print. We should

not waste time reading anything but that which would be uplifting and instructive. 

... Remember, the scripture said, “Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom” (D&C 88:118; emphasis added). 

... Here is a practical suggestion: Ask a few respected people who you know are readers to share with you the titles of the five books besides the scriptures they feel have had the most positive influence in their lives. You will soon accumulate a good list of titles for starters.

In addition to making a resolution that we will read only the best in print, it would be very beneficial if now we resolved not to watch even one R- or X-rated (NC-17) movie, video, or television show from now on. That may sound extreme to some of you, but I assure you that much of our future happiness and success depends on it.

There is safety in following the prophet. President Benson has said: Consider carefully the words of the prophet Alma to his errant [and promiscuous] son, Corianton, “Forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes.” (Alma 39:9)

“The lusts of your eyes.” In our day, what does that expression mean? Movies, television programs, and video recordings that are both suggestive and lewd. Magazines and books that are obscene and pornographic. We counsel you, ... not to pollute your minds with such degrading matter, for the mind through which this filth 

passes is never the same afterwards. 

Don’t see R-rated movies or vulgar videos or participate in any entertainment that is immoral, suggestive, or pornographic. [“To the ‘Youth of the Noble Birthright,’” Ensign, May 1986] In our day, this is one of the most effective tools Satan has to pacify and lull us into carnal security, cheat our souls, and lead us carefully down to hell (see 2 Nephi 28:21). ..."

Stay Tuned until next time.