I saw a commercial on the television the other day. It was an advertisement for a popular breakfast cereal. It stated, “Most people make resolutions based on what they see on the outside.” And then it exhorted the listener to make resolutions that are based on the inside. In other words take care of your internal parts that make up the inside part of your body. And by eating their product you would be able to do this. 

Now there’s nothing wrong about trying to eat right and to take good physical care of your body. It may give you more years to be involved with ministry here on this earth. But I believe God is more concerned about your heart, your inner control center. It is the place in man that Jesus said defiles him for out of it proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, murders, thefts, covetousness, deceit, pride, etc… (Mark 7:21, 22) You see if you’re not working on cleaning up your heart with the cooperation of the Holy Spirit, you’re not working on a worthwhile resolution. 

When God appointed Samuel to replace Saul as king, he sent him to the house of Jesse. Jesse brought out seven of his sons before Samuel but they were all rejected. Why? God told Samuel, “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7) Jesse had one more son, David. He brought him out last because he was the youngest and was tending to the sheep. Though he was a young man, he was a man after God’s own heart, who was willing to do all of God’s will. (Acts 13:22)  

What about you? Are you a person after God’s own heart, one who is willing to do His will? Or do you find yourself sometimes more concerned about your outward appearance and behavior? Consider your new year’s resolution, if you made one. That will give you some insight into where you are putting the focus of your heart. And if the focus is not on pursuing God, it’s never too late to change.