What Would Jesus Do?
Discussion: With the imminent arrival of 2023, the phrase “New Year’s Resolution” will, if not already,
probably pass along the crawl line of your mental processes. In fact, I have already heard some men use
this phrase especially in association the terms new diet and exercise program.
Rather than making resolutions my recommendation would be to entertain the idea of declaring
objectives…because that’s how Jesus did it! Webster’s makes it clear that resolution has to do with
analyzing and solving complexities; or the process of finding a solution for. Jesus was not given to
“making resolutions”. Instead, He declared the coming of a “New Kingdom”! He declared that, He had
come to set the oppressed free, for giving his life as a ransom for many, and to give us life abundantly!
“Objective”, according to Webster’s: something you are trying to do or achieve; a goal or purpose;
something toward which effort is directed, really helps make my point. However, my objective is not to
discuss definitions but rather to assist you in making the most of this very critical year in our personal as
well as national life.
Typically, when we make a new year’s resolution, we often do identify a personal objective. However,
the idea of declaring an objective rings in our heart as a goal rather than in our mind as a problem to
resolve. Being resolute is certainly a laudable quality that requires determination, perseverance, and
tenacity all of which can be marshaled to the cause of declaring and attaining our objectives for 2023.
When I was a navy combat pilot, I came across the writings of one of the greatest of military strategist,
Karl Von Clausewitz. His doctrines are taught today at our war colleges as well as various business and
graduate programs. The quote, from his classic On War, is simply this: “It is the value of the objective
that determines the amount of sacrifice in terms of magnitude and duration”. Please read that again with
a pause after each phrase and see the four degrees of an objective’s value: a little for a short time; a little
for a long time; a lot for a short time; and a lot for a long time…magnitude and duration.
Application: Rather than make a resolution to say, eat healthier, spend more quality time with your
wife/family, or serve others more effectively, why not declare objectives related to those issues stirring in
your heart. Then employ Clausewitz’s maxim regarding sacrifice to measure the real value of each
objective. Whether in actual war, which Clausewitz referenced, or engaged in life’s many battles and
competing affections, it is the sacrifice we are willing to make for an objective that determines the true
value of an objective. We men do sacrifice for what is of value to us. Our wives, children, associates and
our God know well how we value them by this simple, unalterable standard. Perhaps this helps to explain
our high divorce rate, decreased value for human life in its many forms, and other cultural ills.
The word sacrifice is not a popular topic in our cultural life, but it is a critical concept in the Kingdom
life. Sacrificing much, as a lifestyle, is the model Christ gave us. Becoming more Christ-like is, by
definition, the major objective for the Christian. So, for 2023, why not then prayerfully identify
secondary objectives that direct us toward that major objective? I noted a few examples earlier. Jesus did
not lay down rules for us to resolve to follow…rather he laid down His life as an objective for us to, as
Paul said, “to press on to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me”. Now that’s what we mean
by declaring objectives! No vanilla with Paul.
Barney Barnes, 12-28-22, Promise Keepers National Ambassador for the Military and Prisons