Happy New Year! By now, perhaps you are celebrating some of the successes of the resolutions (commitments) you recently made or you have given up some of the resolutions (goals) and kept others that seem somewhat realistic and obtainable, or you have totally abandoned the resolutions (ideals) mode.

Maybe you never made resolutions (positive visions) in the first place so the status quo is a comfort zone that has become a satisfying and sustainable friend.

Most people probably make noble and needed resolutions for a new year and statistics share that 25 percent of the resolution creators do experience commendable success. I think failure rates often communicate lack of preparation. I believe that there are those who never seem to convert the “I really need to make some changes” mindset to “I will make positive changes.” Hopefully, “with God’s help” is added to one’s affirmations and goals.

We should never be like the individuals who vowed in his new year’s resolution to join a procrastinator’s club but never got around to it! We must live in a state of preparation.

The wonderful Boy Scout’s motto “Be prepared!” is timely and timeless for all of us. Coach John Wooden’s teaching of “failing to prepare is preparing to fail” is tremendous advice.

In Wooden’s special realm, athletes must prepare for success via attitude and action, planning and participation. The Colts illustrate this concept as they prepare for another Super Bowl victory! The realm of athletics, business, parenting, personal growth and so on demand preparation if excellence is to surpass mediocrity. For this life and for the life to come, spiritual preparation ought to be one’s most important focus.

I am reminded of the urgency of spiritual preparation as I write this article. Today I received the news of a tragic death of a Burlington minister due to a car and school bus accident near Delphi. The Methodist pastor, Kasey Schnepp and his wife Cathy had been part of our community for a few short months…too few months. As I received the phone calls of concerned individuals and as I watched the news unfold via the Indianapolis media, I acknowledged the brevity of life and the certainty that uncertainties often invade our lives.

The Boy Scouts and John Wooden are so correct, life and success demand preparation. Most importantly God is so right, the Ultimate Question demands preparation. Simply put, “Are you prepared to meet God?”

The question cries for our attention. Ponder it carefully. Answer it correctly. Live it conscientiously.

May God bless you and yours in 2010.

Steve Cole is the pastor of the Faith Church of Christ in Burlington.