This morning I sat down to think about 2012. New Years resolutions are a good thing, I think, especially in the context of self-evaluation and planning. It is good to reflect on the activity in our lives. It is good to think about the world around us and how the lives of others have been affected recently. We should probably be in the habit of doing this more often.

I came across a text in the book of Exodus during meditation this morning. When the Lord was instructing Moses in Exodus 25 and the following chapters regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, he promised to provide the skills to accomplish the work (more accurately, skilled labor). Look at this passage from Exodus 31:1-6…

1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him…

Not only did God give Moses the blueprints for what to make, but he gave skills to those who would do the work. In particular, there were two men, Bezalel and Oholiab. Bezalel’s gifts BEGAN with wisdom and understanding. It wasn’t just a skill set that the Lord gave to him. First and foremost, he granted wisdom and understanding, which are key ingredients in a person’s life if they are to best use the skills God has given them.

The wisdom and understanding to use our gifts and talents are incredibly important. There is another key in what God provided, though, and that is HELP. I don’t think we’re meant to travel this world in isolation. Oholiab was appointed to help Bezalel, so as together they would bear the burden, manage other workers, cast vision for the people, etc. In my life, those closest to me will be heavily involved if I am to meet my 2012 goals. My commitments cannot be made in a vacuum with only myself to consider! Nor am I alone in trying to meet my goals!

So, for 2012 I have set a supreme goal to live my life in greater wisdom and understanding:

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. (Prov. 4:7)

Beneath this unifying goal I have set 4 areas of life in which to improve/change. I want to:

1. Have a focused approach to writing, with set goals
2. Intentionally schedule music creation sessions
3. Establish more regular reading habits
4. Accomplish disciplined professional development.

All of these things must be done under the banner of wisdom, not knowledge alone. I am currently contemplating the sacrifices that will be necessary for me to succeed in these four areas. I’ll make an attempt throughout the year to write about these focus areas in my life and share my experience in trying to do them with wisdom and understanding as my shelter.

Do you have goals and/or resolutions for the new year? How do you come to set your goals? Would love to hear your thoughts on the subject. – Chad