It’s a new year and that means, like most of you, I’ve been thinking about resolutions. I have a record of failure at past resolutions causing me to hesitate to make any this year. Resolutions usually fall by the wayside after only a few weeks. Yet, with a new year facing me, I can’t help but feel I should set some goals. With that in mind, this year’s goal is resolute growth.
What do I mean by resolute growth? When most of us think about resolutions, we think about the common ones of losing weight, eating healthy, and exercising more. Though I need to do all of those things, I’m thinking more along the lines of spiritual goals. I am resolute in my desire to see spiritual growth. So, my resolutions will be goals to bring me closer to God. Goals that will bring my relationship with Jesus to an even more intimate level than it currently is.
There are the tried and true resolutions to bring one closer to God, like reading the Bible every day, praying every day, and having a daily “quiet time.” These are admirable goals to have and things I know I should be doing. But if I am really determined to grow spiritually my goals must go deeper than what amounts to a checklist. I want to know Jesus on a whole new level. That requires a different set of goals.
This year, instead of just reading the Bible daily, I resolve to read with the goal of learning something new about my God. Instead of the resolution to pray daily, I resolve to pray daily with focus. The focus of my prayers will be praising God and interceding for my church family and the lost. Finally, while I do want to have a “quiet time” each day, I resolve to have that time focused on obeying the voice of God instead of just hearing it. Doing all of these things on a consistent basis, will change me and make me grow spiritually. My relationship with God will grow deeper and that is the growth I am resolving to see.
Isn’t that what we all should be striving for as Christians? To have our lives changed and become more like Christ each day. For our lives to bring glory to our Father’s name. To not only know about our Father in heaven but to truly know Him.
Our God is so awesome, and the fact that we can approach Him so freely is such a gracious and undeserved gift. Let’s get to know Him like never before. Resolve with me to have His Spirit work through us in a powerful way, to bring glory to Him in everything we do, and to be used by Him in ways only He can imagine. This year is going to be a year of growth and adventure. I can’t wait to get started.
Linda, I am so proud of you and what you have committed yourself to. It has been so many years since we enjoyed a common spiritual environment that I neglect to realize that many of those I grew up with, spiritually, have grown far beyond where I last regularly interacted with them. You have certainly grown much in your journey with Jesus. This article reminds me of something I have tried to teach disciples for years. The spiritual disciplines are absolutely the foundation of spiritual growth but they are like boot camp for soldiers. They equip and prepare us for spiritual battle. However, one of the best ways to experience spiritual growth is to commit oneself to a spiritual task that only God can truly accomplish. Building a spiritual relationship with a lost soul is always a resolution that requires God’s involvement. I would probably call it “The lazy spiritual mans’ guide to spiritual growth.” I am sure that I am less mature and disciplined than most Christians but this resolution seems to always make me get out of my selfishness and grow spiritually. Here’s to loving you and Mark and praying for you both to receive all of God’s greatest blessings. Rusty
Thank you for your kinds words, Rusty. It’s hard to believe all of the years that have gone by, and with them, all the experiences God has used to stretch us and grow us. I’m so thankful that He continues to transform us with each passing day. The opportunities he provides are all around us, we just need to look for them and then act on them. If we do, we will be forever changed. God Bless.