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This term refers to a twofold process, one aspect of which comprises resolving to do something or to achieve a goal one sets for oneself while making this resolve a pledge to God the Parent. The other aspect involves being thoroughly committed to following through with it. There can be a variety of "resolutions." For example, one might resolve to follow the path throughout one's lifetime, trusting in and leaning on God the Parent. Such a lifelong resolve seeks to guide all aspects of one's life for a lifetime. Another example would be resolving never to get angry anymore. There can also be resolutions that set aside a specific period of time for committed efforts. One might resolve to skip lunch every day for a year in order to strengthen one's reliance on God the Parent in praying for someone suffering from a stomach disease, for example, to be saved. Again, one might resolve to contribute a certain amount of money toward a church's construction over a three-year period. What is vital in this regard is not necessarily the content of a resolution itself. Rather, it is to keep our mind solely focused on fulfilling the resolution by all means. We may sometimes use the word "resolution" to indicate specific goals themselves, including numerical goals such as numbers of people or amounts of money. The real meaning of "resolution," however, lies in attaining a firm resoluteness of mind with which to tirelessly strive to fulfill the goals that we have pledged to God the Parent to achieve. It goes without saying that the term "resolution" is not used to refer to such simple decisions as deciding to eat when hungry and deciding to go to bed when sleepy. Rather, it is used only when we pledge to God to do something that requires strenuous efforts to accomplish. God the Parent teaches us, in effect: "To make a resolution does not refer to deciding to achieve a goal chosen based on its ease of accomplishment. A resolution will help settle things. Do not assume that you can only make a resolution after a settling has come. Rather, begin by making a resolution in a spirit of readiness to do anything necessary and strive to fulfill it by all means. Then things will be settled. Make a firm resolution and work flat out to accomplish it--such is the path of single-heartedness with God" (cf. Osashizu, November 3, 1891). God the Parent is, indeed, longing for our true sincerity in keeping our minds focused and putting forth genuine efforts. The Ofudesaki says:Ponder and come follow Me with firm resolve. There is a path of hope in the future. Ofudesaki V:24 If you truly resolve your mind and pray to Me, I shall grant you My free and unlimited workings at once. Ofudesaki VII:43 Various occurrences that happen to us, our families, people we know, or our churches should be accepted as "knots" or challenging situations that call for our decisiveness in moving forward. Responding to such happenings with a firm resolution is the surest way to advance further toward our salvation. The anniversaries of Oyasama, in this regard, represent the most crucial seasons calling for our decisiveness to make spiritual growth. Let us seize such a season to make an ambitious resolution befitting our respective positions and roles and take great strides along the path of spiritual growth so that we can bring joy to Oyasama. |
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