The Highest Possible Resolution - by Mike T.

As a tech guy I sometimes have a different perspective on things. Allow me to put a unique spin on the New Year’s Resolution. When I hear the word ‘resolution’ the first thing I think about has to do with the image detail for displays, cameras and televisions. Simply put the higher the resolution the finer detail of a picture that can be displayed. Wikipedia defines this as the pixel resolution.

Below is an illustration of how the same image might appear at different pixel resolutions, if the pixels were poorly rendered as sharp squares (normally, a smooth image reconstruction from pixels would be preferred, but for illustration of pixels, the sharp squares make the point better).

An image that is 2048 pixels in width and 1536 pixels in height has a total of 2048×1536 = 3,145,728 pixels or 3.1 megapixels. One could refer to it as 2048 by 1536 or a 3.1-megapixel image. (Note: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/image_resolution#resolution_of_digital_images)

In digital photography to print a decent 4x6 photo requires 3 MP. But enlargements such an 11x14 require 4 MP, while an 20x30 requires 8 MP. For televisions and computer monitors the higher the resolution the clearer the image. As the resolution gets higher the more details that will be visible. In a lot of cases the higher the resolution, the more expensive the equipment can be. To get greater detail and clarity requires an investment.

How does this relate to the New Year’s Resolution? For this coming year, rather than making a resolution, use the highest resolution possible. Invest in what it takes to get greater detail and clarity. Make that your effort and goal. Like cameras and displays require more pixels for a clearer image, seek more of God’s Word to get a more detailed perspective on the Savior and yourself. The more of God’s Word that is used the more in focus the picture of Christwill become. Take the time this year to drill down and focus on the images that are presented in the Scriptures. You will learn so much about Jesus Christ that you have missed before. You will see more about yourself and your own sinfulness and need for a Savior as you let God’s Holy Word make the pictures clearer. Get as much resolution as you can and take time to notice the nuances and details that you missed before.

Focus on the Savior. Have you seen all there is of His righteousness, love, compassion, divinity, meekness, power and purpose? Have you missed something of the joy of loving Him with your whole heart and mind and strength?

And as you read allow the Bible to help you focus on a better picture of yourself. Would more clarity help you see some things that were hidden before? Are there idols that take your focus off of Jesus as Lord? Do you have sins that you might have not been able to see before at a lower resolution?

Take advantage of the highest resolution possible this next year. When you look at yourself you find some things that ruin the picture. When you look at the Savior in greater detail you will spot some things you missed before.