Asking the clergy about resolutions

New Year's resolutions, made with the best of intentions, so often go astray. Are resolutions contrary to one's relationship with God? Our clergy tackle the first-of-the-year ritual.

Rabbi Mendy Goldberg, associate director, Lubavitch of the East End, Coram:

Making a resolution at any time of year is actually a step that helps a person come closer to God. God wants each of us to be our best self. Therefore, making a resolution is fulfilling God's goal for each of us. By making a New Year's resolution, you're resolving to be a better person than you were last year. You're saying, "Last year, I wasn't that great. This year, I resolve to be a better person."

The resolution shows and intensifies the connection you have to other people, to the entity. Think about it. If a person doesn't make a resolution at all, he or she definitely won't do it, won't be a better person. The fact that you make a resolution shows you have some sort of conscience and you want to get better. It shows a regret of the past and a resolve for the future.

If tomorrow doesn't bring a better day, you'll stay in your rut. The resolution is a first step out of that rut. No matter how petty the resolution may be, it shows you want something better than where you are. In my eyes, there is no down side to making a resolution.

Of course, it is important to not just make the resolution but to work at it. I think you should start small. Maybe it is resolving to greet everyone with a smile, calling your mom once a week. Remember, God is part of our lives, whatever we do. So, whatever you do to improve yourself is bringing God into your life. Just remember when making a resolution, prayer helps and gives a certain consciousness to the resolution.

Pastor Mike Troiano, Church of the Harvest, Riverhead:

It depends on where you're getting your inspiration. Is it God leading you to do this in his honor? Is there a concern for honoring him with your life? If you're making improvement separate from God, then your focus isn't right.

I do think people put a lot of faith in the resolution, rather than in God, who can help them follow through on the resolution. They get caught up in the cycle of past failures, and then they fail again. For a Christian, the grace of God works with us, and he doesn't let us fail. I don't make resolutions, but I do examine myself and my flaws and make adjustments as I become aware of them.

It is absolutely appropriate for each of us to take inventory of our lives. We all should examine our lives and compare them to what we believe is God's expectation of where we should be and where we come short.

It honors God when we make adjustments with his help and with his lead. This process of reflection shouldn't be restricted to just the new year. The critical thing with a resolution, or any plan of improvement, is the follow through. A resolution should begin with prayer and reflection, then be strengthened with prayer throughout .

The Rev. Nicholas Lombardi, St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, Oceanside:

I don't see it as a lack of faith to make New Year's resolutions, but I see most as victims of poor planning and execution. It is a typical American trait -- and problem -- that we think we are totally self-sufficient and that we can do everything on our own. As one who is constantly trying to lose weight, I've made a few resolutions. The problem with making a resolution to yourself is that you're not shining light on it, probably partially because you think you're going to fail.

What I'd prefer is that someone say "I'm going to do ... with the help of God and my friends." As far as planning and execution, first, make sure you're sober when you're making the resolution. And make sure you're not in an emotional high or low and that you're making a serious resolution. Finally, remember that you can't do it alone. Think about it. You can't have a feast without the farmers who grow the food. You can't have electricity without the power company turning it on. So, shed some light on that resolution and get the help you need to be successful.