Good instructions. I know we are in the middle of summer according to our lectionary cycle, but this text sounds like a perfect list of New Year's resolutions for Christians.

In the For Better Or Worse comic strip, the family is sitting around the breakfast table as Dad says, "Here we are in a brand new year. I think we should all make some resolutions, don't you?"

Mother responds, "Okay. I resolve not to criticize, to nag less, and bake more often."

The family cheers: "Right on. Neat! Yeah!"

Then Dad says, "I resolve not to lose my temper, and to fix all the things in the house that need repairs."

The family says, "Great. Okay!"

Daughter Elizabeth says, "I resolve to brush Farley (the dog), to keep my room clean, and not fight with Michael (her brother)."

Everyone says, "Good!"

Th…