Resolving Life In 2014

Mike Hosey, Elder

Most people make some kind of New Year's Resolutions.  They either do it consciously in some quasi-formal way, or they do it subconsciously -- telling themselves quietly and in their heads what they plan to do after the turn of the year.

Some people are resolving to take better care of their bodies, and they'll start by participating in Fellowship's Resolution 5K run on January 25th.  Others will resolve to make more money, or to drink less, or to be more organized.  The list is endless, really.  .

But let me suggest some possible resolutions that are good for everyone.

Resolve To Spend Time With God:  Jesus did (Luke 5:16 and Luke 6:12). In fact, in  Matthew 6:5-6 Jesus expects us to make time regularly, because in his teaching He says "when" you pray.  This doesn't mean we have to engage in some deep and difficult bible study. Or that we must spend hours in focused prayer all of the time.  It means that we resolve to just spend time praying, studying, or even just thinking about God, or His word, or the good things that He is responsible for (Isaiah 26:3; Philippians 4:8; Psalm 104:34; Psalm 143:5; Psalm 119:148).

Resolve To Love God And Others: God commanded us to Love and commit ourselves to Him, as well as to love and be committed to our neighbors.  Jesus tells us that doing so is essential to life. (Luke 10:25-28). Try to find practical ways to make that happen in your life. For instance, be involved in a ministry at Church, or take a neighbor a meal.  It won't always be easy. But it will have a positive impact on both your physical and your spiritual well being.

Stop Beating Yourself Up Over Sin: It is proper to be remorseful about wronging God and others. Sin can cause serious damage to our relationship with God and to the lives of others. But once we've confessed it (1 John 1:9) and turned it over to God, and done our part to make amends, it's time to stop revisiting it.  His mercies are new every day (Lamentations 3:22-24). So start serving God with the time you are wallowing over the mistakes you've made, and go and sin no more (John 8:11).  

Resolve To Forgive Others:  God forgives you (see the paragraph above), you should forgive others.  Besides, Jesus expects it in a radical way (Matthew 18:21-22).  Holding on to negativity towards others doesn't hurt them. It only hurts you.