Falling Short of your Goals?
From
December 30, 2024
The start of a new year often brings a sense of hope and renewal. We set resolutions with the best of intentions—to eat healthier, spend more time with loved ones, deepen our spiritual practice, or break a bad habit. But how many times have you made a resolution, only to slip up within days or weeks? It’s frustrating, even disheartening, to find yourself falling short of the goals you’ve set. If this sounds familiar, let me offer some encouragement: slipping isn’t failing. True success lies in what you do after the stumble.
The story of Noah offers a powerful illustration of this principle. After the floodwaters receded, the Lord made a covenant with Noah and his family, promising never again to destroy the earth with a flood. Noah represented the remnant of an old, failing church small group who still held some connection to the Lord amid widespread spiritual decline. From this remnant, the Lord began something new.
But Noah carried with him the same spiritual heritage that had led to the failure of the old church. This is why, after his hopeful new beginning, Noah stumbled. He became drunk and fell asleep naked in his tent. His son Ham reacted with mockery, while his other sons, Shem and Japheth, respectfully covered their father’s shame. This moment teaches us two important lessons: first, we cannot escape our past entirely, as its habits and tendencies remain with us. Second, we can correct our flaws, just as Shem and Japheth did by acting with respect and care.
We often approach New Year’s resolutions with the mindset of a “Noah after the flood” moment: imagining a fresh start where all the old difficulties will magically fall away. But like Noah, we bring our full selves into every new beginning. This includes not only our aspirations but also our weaknesses and the circumstances that led us to seek change in the first place.
This is why so many resolutions fail. We aim for perfection and then beat ourselves up when we fall short. But the truth is, falling short is part of the process. What matters is how we respond. Do we give up entirely, or do we get back up and try again?
The New Church doctrine of repentance provides a framework for navigating these moments of stumbling. The steps of repentance are:
- Examine yourself: Identify what needs to change. Be honest about where you’ve gone off track.
- Acknowledge sin: Recognize and admit that what you’ve done is wrong.
- Pray to the Lord: Ask for His help and strength to make the change.
- Begin a new life: Commit to living differently, aligning your actions with the Lord’s teachings.
When we stumble after committing to a new life, this doesn’t mean repentance has failed. It’s part of the ongoing process of growth. Each time we slip, we’re called to reflect, pray, and recommit. This repeated effort is how true change happens over time.
One of the most beautiful aspects of repentance is the assurance of the Lord’s forgiveness. The Lord bends everything evil into good for those who turn to Him. This doesn’t mean our mistakes don’t matter, but it does mean that they’re not the end of the story. The Lord is always ready to help us get back up and try again.
Think about the story of the woman caught in adultery. When the crowd brought her to Jesus, ready to condemn her, He said, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” The Lord’s mercy didn’t erase her wrongdoing, but it offered her a path forward. His forgiveness was not a dismissal of her actions but an invitation to change.
So, what does this mean for your New Year’s resolutions? First, expect to stumble. Change is hard, and old habits die slowly. When you slip, resist the urge to label yourself a failure. Instead, see it as an opportunity to practice perseverance. The most important thing isn’t avoiding every misstep; it’s developing the habit of getting back up.
Second, involve the Lord in your efforts. Pray for His guidance and strength. Recognize that true transformation comes not from willpower alone but from opening your heart to His influence.
Finally, extend the same grace to others that you hope to receive. When you see someone else stumble, respond with understanding and encouragement, just as Shem and Japheth did for Noah. The Word teaches that those who live with charity focus on the good in others and seek to support them in their struggles. Imagine how different the world would be if we all adopted this approach.
As you look ahead to the coming year, remember that the goal isn’t perfection. The goal is progress. Every time you get back up after a stumble, you’re taking another step on the path of spiritual growth. The Lord is with you every step of the way, ready to forgive, guide, and strengthen you. And as you extend that same mercy to yourself and others, you help create a world that reflects His love and forgiveness.
Here’s to a year of trying, stumbling, and trying again—a year of moving closer to the person the Lord created you to be.
The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
when he delights in His way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the LORD upholds his hand. (Psalm 37:23-24)
Rev. Glenn “Mac” Frazier, Pastor
Washington New Church, 2024-12-27