Have you ever wondered why resolutions don’t work? I have a theory. It’s because resolutions most often require more “white-knuckling” it instead of changing the desires motivating the behavior we want to change.
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| Our new book “baby” |
Every action, behavior, and choice is motivated by something. Every action, behavior, and choice comes from a desire for something. Every action, behavior, and choice comes from trying to protect ourselves from something bad or getting something we think will give us pleasure or satisfaction.
James 1:14 tells us, “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.” This verse tells us there is something motivating us, and when our choice is an ungodly one, it’s motivated by “lust.” “Lust doesn’t just refer to something sexual, but anything that motivates us. We want! We must have! We are looking for self-protection or self-satisfaction.
The important thing to realize is that we are motivated by something deep within us and a resolution tries to change the surface. It doesn’t touch us at a deep heart level. Unless we change the deep-seated desire, we most often will fail because we’re fighting against a foundation that will resist our best laid plans.
These ideas are some of the ideas my husband, Larry, and I explore in our new book: Never Ever Be the Same: A New You Starts Today. And we really do believe that our book can help Christians get to the underlying reasons of what motivates us, making it clearer how to trust God for a true heart change. From that will come changed behavior.
Do Larry and I claim to have become perfect? No way. But we have seen how God has used the principles in our book to help us more often choose the godly way. I can truly say that God’s work at a heart level has made me more secure, patient, and selfless. Larry says (and I agree) that he has become more others-centered, kind, and willing to admit his own faults.
We’ve seen a difference in being able to be motivated by trust in God more often instead of our own selfish desires. We are so grateful! And we’re so grateful that God has given us this opportunity to share with others.
Our book is currently available in e-book form. The print version will be available online and at your local Christian bookstore on January 13th.
Let me tell you a secret that may save you some money on a print copy. If you pre-order it, you won’t be charged until it’s sent. And often, based on pre-order sales, the book will cost you less than the price they are listing now–or the “normal” price when it’s released. Pretty cool, eh?
If you want to check it out, click on one of these links:
I wish you a blessed 2015. Happy New Year!