Did you make any resolutions for the New Year? Every year, many of us make resolutions, but why? Some of us will do well in our resolutions, but many of us will fail. Truthfully, I almost always fail in my New Years Resolutions. So, why do we make them? Deep down inside, we want our life to be better—and we resolve to change things so we’ll be happier. We’re often unhappy with our circumstances, choices, bodies, finances, relationships, health, etc. But, sooner or later, things don’t work out quite the way you plan—or hope.
This year, maybe we ought to make a different kind of resolution–or resolutions:
- Grow in your relationship with God
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.
2 Thessalonians 1:3
The most important thing we can do in the New Year is to tend to the most important thing we have—our relationship with God. What will we do to grow spiritually? Bible reading? Prayer? Classes? Small Groups?
- Connect in Community
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42
We were created for Community—not isolation. Community is where we learn how to live a life following Christ. I personally can’t imagine a life without being connected in community. I’ve lived life both ways and can’t imagine wanting to live life outside of community.
- Lead others to Faith in Christ
Go and make disciples of all nations
Matthew 28:19
Life gets busy…with kids—even busier! As busy as we get this year, don’t forget to reach out and share your faith with others—that will make a difference for eternity
- Build up Others
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
We need to encourage one another on in the faith. Write a note, email, call, post comments on their myspace/facebook, etc.
- Model the Faith
Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.
Philippians 3:17 (TNIV)
An old adage says:
they will learn what you teach them, but they will become what you are.
What are we modeling?
- Mentor Someone Else
Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen! — to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others.
2 Timothy 2:1-2 (The Message)
I can’t name the last five Academy Award winners, or name who won the Pulitzer two years ago, but I can name a lot of people who spoke into my life over the years and helped make me who I am. The timeclock has started: Our responsibility is to pass it on before we pass on.
