As you are making the new year’s resolutions, think marathon and not a 100 meter dash. The race of life is not about how fast but about how steady.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” Heb 12:1-2
 
Two days ago, I ran 8 miles at the Y. That is the most I have ran at one time. My goal was to run at 10 minute-mile pace throughout. To do that, I had to look at my watch carefully to make sure that I’m neither running too fast or too slow. The goal was to keep steady until I finished running.
Spiritually this is also true. We should aim for slow and steady rather than fast and furious.
At the past winter retreat, many young people dedicated/rededicated their lives to Christ. My concern is that they want to grow so fast that they start looking for ecstatic experiences and daring spiritual adventures. I can’t tell you, in 25 years of my pastorate, how many young people I have seen crash and burn and are no longer following Christ, when they started out so blazingly fast.
So, divide and conquer. Ask yourself, “what can I do daily? What can I do weekly? What can I do quarterly? What can I do yearly?”
You can read the Bible for 20 minutes daily. (Yes, you can!)
You can go to church and fellowship weekly.
You can fast for two meals and pray quarterly.
You can go on a personal retreat yearly.
Steady and slow.
“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13
PH